1 Chapter 1: Prologue

They come uninvited and unwanted. The barriers meant to keep them out have been broken, allowing their unscrupulous thoughts and desires to stay hidden from the outside world. They are thieves, invading in the cloak of night, scavenging a hiding place for their foul intentions. I am sickened, yet I deeply desire what they have, wishing I could be cherished in the same way.

They know not of my existence. Only rumors fuel their curiosity to investigate, ravaging what was once a grand house. Now it is merely a shell of what it was-full of life, fine art, and furniture. But all of that is no more and it pierces the same knife through my heart as jealousy of what I can never have begins to ravage my soul.

*

"C'mon, Nick, don't be such a pussy."

"Screw you, Paul, you're the one who's scared of this place."

"Jesus, keep your voices down."

"Yeah, listen to your mother-I mean, Brad."

"Just get in here, asshole."

"Nick, did you bring a light?"

"Yeah, hang on."

"Holy shit, get a load of that spider web. Oh, sorry, Paul, did that scare you?"

"Yeah, you're fucking hilarious, Nick."

"Brad, toss me a beer."

"Yeah, toss me one, too."

"Jesus! What the hell is this?"

"It's free. Give it back if you're not gonna drink it."

"No, I like cold piss."

"Yeah, you would."

"Shit, it's cold in here."

"It's September, Paul. It's supposed to be cold."

"Not this cold."

"Jesus, are you gonna pussy-out every time we come here?"

"Shut up, Nick."

"No, he's right, Nick, it's fucking cold in here."

"Ahh, do you want me to get you a blankie, Brad?"

"Asshole."

"Jesus, did you hear that?"

"Looky there, Paul lasted a full five minutes before he grew a pussy."

"Did you seriously not hear that?"

"Yeah, I heard it. But this house is old and probably rat-infested. Chill the fuck out."

"There it is again."

"I know you heard that, Nick."

"Sounded like it came from upstairs."

"That's impossible. No one's here."

"Then what could slam a door, Brad?"

"I don't know. There's gotta be air coming in."

"Shhh! Wait..."

"What the hell is that?"

"Sounds like whispering?"

"Sounds more like a conversation."

"Yeah, but from where?"

"Upstairs?"

"No, it came from the hallway."

"Hold up. Maybe someone's playing a joke on us."

"Paul, did you tell anyone where you were going?"

"Why the fuck would I tell anyone?"

"Maybe because you're a pussy?"

"Shut up, you two. Nick, come with me. Paul, stay here until we get back."

"I'm not staying here alone!"

"See? He's a pussy."

"Fuck you..."

"Jesus, keep your voices down! Nick, just take Paul outside-and make sure no one's fucking with us. I'll look upstairs and meet you back here in a few."

"We only have one flashlight."

"You guys take it. I have matches somewhere."

"Boy Scout Brad has arrived-should we synchronize our watches?"

"Just go before I change my mind and kick both your asses."

"Oh wow, now he's Ninja Brad."

"Hey, you got a better idea, I'm all ears."

"Fine. C'mon, Pussy-I mean, Paul."

"Call me that again. I dare ya."

"Pussy."

"Shit, are you kidding me? Break it up! Paul, give me the fucking flashlight before you kill somebody."

"He started it!"

"And you're a pussy!"

"Jesus, grow up!"

"Holy shit!"

"What was that?"

"I don't know, but it definitely came from inside this room!"

"Let's get out of here!"