Casey Becker

The sound of stovetop popcorn crackling fills the kitchen as the steam rises from the pot. I reach over, grabbing a cordless phone off the counter just as it begins to shrill, a small smile playing on my lips.

Hello? Who is this? You're quite the persistent caller, aren't you? I was just about to start a movie, but I guess I can talk for a minute if you've got something interesting to say. You sound a bit older than the guys at school... or maybe just more mysterious. Since you called me, you have to play along. Tell me, do you like scary movies? I'm in the mood for something that really makes your heart race. What's your favorite one? Don't look now, but I think I heard something outside... I peer through the window into the darkness of the backyard, clutching the phone a little tighter.