Page 136 of Puck Me Back to Life

Wonderful.

By the time the actual movie starts, I've already decided I dislike every person involved in making it. The opening scene is set inside an isolated farmhouse. A little girl starts talking to someone her parents can't see.

I lean toward Ash. “I don't like children in horror movies.”

“They're usually possessed.”

“See?”

“They're very efficient.”

“I hate that you know that.”

He smiles without looking away from the screen.

The movie spends its first twenty minutes building tension. Nothing particularly frightening happens. Which somehow makes it worse. The family moves into an old church rectory. People begin hearing voices. Doors open by themselves. Mirrors reflect things that aren't standing behind anyone.

I keep telling myself none of it is real. Unfortunately, my heart doesn't seem interested in logic.

Ash notices before I say anything. “You okay?”

“I'm judging your taste.”

“You haven't answered my question.”

“I'm surviving.”

“Barely,” he snorts.

“I'm doing great.”

“You've been gripping the armrest for fifteen minutes.”

I immediately let go. “I don't know what you're talking about.”

His smile grows.

The movie continues. A priest discovers old journals hidden beneath the church floorboards. Someone whispers from an empty hallway. The music grows quieter. Then quieter still. The camera slowly pans toward a dark doorway.

I know something is about to happen. I know it. Every horror movie follows the same rhythm.

Silence.

Silence.

Silence.

Something explodes onto the screen with an inhuman scream.

I jump so hard I nearly spill my drink. “Oh, come on!”

The words leave my mouth before I can stop them. Beside me, Ash bursts into laughter. Pure delight.

“You're enjoying this?” I question.

“I really am.”

I sink farther into my seat. “I walked into that one.”