The table is empty.
“Caleb?” I call, pulse ticking up.
No response.
My eyes adjust.
Then I see it, white against the dark wood of the low table, a folded piece of paper propped against the little welcome basket.
My name, in his messy handwriting.
Seeing it makes my heart do a neat little front flip and then sprint. I pick it up, hands already buzzing.
Miguel,
Not so long ago, you hunted me in our parents’ back property. You made me feel free. Tonight, it’s your turn to run. Only this time, I’ll be the one in the mask.
House rules apply:
– We use the color system.
– You can tap out anytime and I come out of the dark.
– This is not a cry for help. It’s a choice.
I want to feel what you feel when you chase me—terrified and safe all at once.
If this is too much, say “Red” out loud, and I’ll crawl out from under the bed (or wherever I’m lurking) and climb into your lap instead.
If it’s not too much… Run, big brother.
– C
P.S. Check the bed.
I exhale slowly, the air coming out shakier than I’d like. To be honest, this is not the kind of note I would expect from him. This one has rules. The color system. Sarcasm.
Choice.
It’s different.
My body still doesn’t totally know the difference.
“Color?” I mutter to myself, like Luis is sitting on the couch with his damn legal pad. My heart’s pounding, palms slick, nerves lit up like a transformer… But under it, there’s that low, hungry current that has nothing to do with fear.
Green, my gut says. Loud and bright.
But green.
“Okay,” I tell the empty room. “Green.”
The loft glows faintly overhead, light spilling down the ladder. I climb, note still in my hand, taking note that the bed is a mess of blankets and pillows. On my side, my hoodie sits tossed aside from earlier. On Caleb’s side, his notebook, pen, and?—
A mask. Almost identical to the one I wore on Halloween and during our little snowy escape. Except this one is neon yellow instead of blue. Stitched mouth, stitched eyes.
My dick twitches like it recognizes an old friend.
“Goddamn it, Caleb,” I mutter, picking it up and reaching down to adjust myself.
