Revenge After Death

I anxiously searched but found nothing.

Just as I sat on the ground, consumed by despair and helplessness, I heard a distinct "click". It was followed by the sound of an iron door opening and footsteps echoing down the corridor. My nerves instantly tensed up. Did someone find the key and leave so quickly? Who could it be?

"Who is out there? Who has left? Please, help us! Where did you find the key? Help us!" The commotion outside grew louder as everyone began shouting.

The footsteps grew increasingly slower, as though he were attentively listening to something.

"Thud, thud, thud." Suddenly, the person outside started banging on the iron door with sticks. Everyone fell silent, curious to know what he was up to.

After everyone had stayed quiet, he called out, "Stephie..."

The voice was hoarse and filled with panic. It was Steven! He was searching for me.

I forcefully slammed the door. "Steve! Steve! I'm here!"

I heard the sound of his footsteps approaching, and soon he was sprinting towards me in a state of panic.

"Click." Another sound echoed as someone else had opened the iron door.

"Damn it! Enough with the hocus-pocus! You're going to make me late for my college entrance exam." The cursing voice belonged to Joel.

overwhelming mix of surprise and panic. With tears streaming down my face, I desperately banged on the

don't be afraid. Take a deep breath and listen to me. Don't be scared.

took a deep breath, and

concern, though he masked it with feigned disgust and

person called out with a

Are you still searching for that impostor? Do you honestly believe that if she were me, she wouldn't be clever enough to figure out such a simple trick and find a way out?" That voice

felt uneasy. Even Yasmin found the key. She

completely ignored Yasmin and asked softly, "Stephie, don't be

look

choose to bring me into the light, don't then

a brief pause, Steven advised softly outside the door, "Check beneath

quickly understood his meaning. I ran to the lamp

tried to open the door, but my hands were shaking and I

sight of Steven. Without hesitation, he reached out and enveloped me in his embrace,

was like I could understand the words written on the wall. "If I have been

written

I were to find

in fear through