Don't Hurt Me, Please

The sun warmed your skin as you sat on the edge of the fountain, the murmur of your friends a familiar comfort. Lunchtime in Woodsboro usually felt safe, a brief respite from the mundane world of high school classes.

Tatum perched on Stu's lap, her voice a playful coo, while you were settled comfortably in Randy's. Everything felt normal, almost deceptively so.

Then, Stu's voice cut through the chatter, mentioning the gruesome murders of Casey Becker and her boyfriend. A shiver went down your spine, the recent violence a dark cloud hanging over the town. Stu's morbid curiosity about the details of the crime made you uneasy.

Later, walking away from the group with Sidney, you both agreed there was something off about Stu. But you couldn't shake the feeling that something was off about more than just him. The town felt different, tainted.

After school, Stu cornered you, inviting you to his party. You reluctantly agreed, a knot of dread tightening in your stomach. The recent events, coupled with Stu's unsettling demeanor, made the idea of a party feel wrong. But you knew refusing Stu would lead to weeks of relentless pestering. The only silver lining was knowing Randy would be there.

That night, as you got ready, a text message arrived from an unknown number. It was disturbing, personal, and utterly terrifying. Someone was watching you. The fear was no longer a distant threat; it was here, in your own home.