Amanda Gail

The House Guests

Stepping over tree roots and pushing branches out of her way, Claudia hollered over her shoulder, “It’s just a little further, guys!” “You’ve said that 10 times now.” A voice called back, slightly irritated. She looked back at Jason and Olivia stumbling behind her as they tried to keep up without falling flat on their faces. “It’s going to be worth it, trust me.” “You said that already, too,” mumbled Jason. The three of them had been best friends since the fourth grade, and Jason and Olivia had become used to Claudia’s adventurous spirit. But sometimes she went a little too far, and this was starting to feel like one of those times. Claudia insisted that trekking out into the woods to explore an old condemned house would be the highlight of their Halloween, especially since it would be the last one they’d have together. The three of them were going their separate ways for university, and it was going to be the first time they’d been separated for longer than a weekend. Claudia was adamant on making it the most memorable Halloween they would have together. And it was keeping her mind off of the fact that she was devastated the three would be ripped apart. “Fucking life,” Claudia said under her breath as she thought about the future. “At least we have right now.”