Alexander and Linet had to spend the night at Lyn's house that day because darkness caught them still deep in their unending conversation. Quickly, Alexander was preparing supper while Linet and Lyn washed the lunch dishes. As usual, Luca—with his filthy behavior—was playing a video game with his new friends, Andy and Drew. Even though it had barely been a week, he already had so many friends coming over to check on him.
"Hey Luca, why don't we play some tiny creepy game? I'm bored with this one," Drew suggested, catching them off guard as they all shifted their attention to him.
"Yeah, you're right, Drew. Playing games is getting boring, and I'd like something fun to cheer us up," added Andy.
"Huh? Did you just say creepy game?" Luca questioned, a strange expression taking over his face that he couldn't hide from his new friends.
"Are you afraid? Jeez, it's just a game—it won't scare you," Drew said.
"Drew, I don't like creepy games at all. I'm warning you about what you're suggesting right now because I'm not in the mood to scare my ass off."
"Come on, dude. It's just a game. Or… are you scared that things might change and turn out to be real?" Andy intruded.
"It… it's not… it's not that I'm scared. I'm just cautious when it comes to sudden games."
"See? It's easy. All you need to do is call the name 'ALADIN' three times and the game will start. You'll like it, dude, I promise," Drew explained with a smile that sent a shudder through Luca's body. His confidence was slipping away slowly.
"I don't like the idea at all. I feel scary goosebumps right now and a little nervous. The name alone has frightened me," he said, clenching the cushions.
"Come on. Be a man. You're turning sixteen next month—that's old enough to act like a real gentleman. You're not a kid anymore," Andy said, as Drew nodded. Luca had no choice but to fall into their trap. He nodded slightly, his mind drifting to the idea of being a "real gentleman," not thinking about what might be hidden behind the game.
"Okay, looks like you're ready. I'll go first, then Andy will follow. You'll play last, okay?" Drew said. But suddenly, their game was interrupted by a gentle voice that echoed in their ears, making them look up immediately.
"Okay, kids, let's dine together. Food is ready. Luca, go call Papa and Mama from their room for dinner," Lyn said with a jolly smile.
The moment Luca heard those words escape from his sister's mouth, he almost jumped with happiness, but he forced himself to control his emotions so no one would notice the smile trying to escape his lips. He quickly shot to his feet and ran upstairs.
He informed his parents that Lyn was waiting for them downstairs, and without waiting for their response, he vanished into his room. But to his sudden surprise, he didn't realize he had entered the wrong room until something unusual struck his lazy mind. His eyes caught something creepy on the floor. When he looked around, he instantly knew this wasn't his room—it was his sister's.
His tense legs moved forward slowly toward the creepy creature lying unconscious on the ground, while he prayed silently that what he was seeing was just a dream.
His eyes shifted to the silent mirror, which was swinging gently as scary horror-like voices escaped from inside. Before he could turn his attention back to the unconscious creature, a sudden flash of light struck his eyes and pushed him against the wall, making him groan in pain. A small cut formed on his lip, and a drip of blood slid down. When he looked again at the unknown creature, he saw only a white gown covered in blood.
For a moment he thought it was his blood, but after checking himself several times, he let out the breath he had been holding, sighing in relief. Without warning, the bloody dress began moving toward him. He shouted for help, his eyes bulging wide.
"Lyn! Mama! Papa! Help me, I'm dying!" his small voice echoed before he passed out instantly where he lay.
When everyone burst into the room, their eyes widened in shock at what they were seeing. The only response any of them could manage was to look at one another and shake their heads silently.