The crackling campfire cast flickering shadows across the golden sand, its glow illuminating the faces of the group as they sat around it, laughter echoing through the night. The air was thick with the scent of roasting marshmallows, the salty ocean breeze mixing with the smoky warmth of burning wood.
Jackson leaned back on his elbows, staring up at the star-filled sky. “Alright, who’s got a good story?”
Emily grinned, poking the fire with a stick. “Carter should go first. He always talks a big game.”
Carter, who was sitting across from Alexa and definitely not paying attention, snapped back to reality. “Huh?”
Jackson smirked. “A scary story, dude. You got one?”
Carter cleared his throat, trying to shake the daze Alexa had put him in. He thought for a second, then leaned forward, his face half-lit by the flames. “Alright. Ever hear the story of the Hollow Man?”
Miguel raised an eyebrow. “Oh, this should be good.”