The next day, work dragged on for Crista. Her thoughts kept drifting back to the figure she’d seen in the alley and the strange feeling that had lingered ever since.

At lunch, Lisa was buzzing with excitement. “So, there’s this bonfire party happening tonight at Riverside Park. I heard it’s going to be a lot of fun—live music, food, and a huge bonfire. Want to come with me?”

Crista glanced up from her sandwich, her expression neutral. “A bonfire party? Sounds pretty crowded.”

Lisa waved a hand dismissively. “Yeah, but it’s supposed to be a good time. You need a break from work and all the Seirs stuff.”

Crista sighed, knowing Lisa wouldn’t take no for an answer. “Alright, I’ll go. But just for a little while.”

Lisa grinned. “Awesome! I’m sure you’ll have a great time.”

After their shift, the two of them walked to Riverside Park, the evening air crisp and cool. The park was bustling with activity as they approached the large open area where the bonfire was set up.

The bonfire itself was a massive blaze, crackling and glowing warmly against the night. People were gathered around, chatting, eating, and enjoying the evening.

Lisa led the way to a spot near the fire, where they found a place to sit on a couple of blankets spread out on the grass. “See? I told you it would be fun,” Lisa said as she handed Crista a cup of cider.

Crista took it with a smile. “Yeah, it’s not bad. The fire’s nice.”

They spent a few hours mingling with the crowd, eating snacks, and enjoying the music from a local band playing near the bonfire. Lisa seemed to be in her element, while Crista tried to relax and enjoy the evening.

As the night wore on, Crista’s sense of unease returned. She kept glancing around, her eyes searching the shadows beyond the firelight.

“Everything okay?” Lisa asked, noticing Crista’s distracted demeanor.

Crista nodded, forcing a smile. “Yeah, just a little tired. I’m going to get some fresh air.”

Lisa looked at her with concern. “Alright. I’ll be right here if you need anything.”

Crista made her way away from the bonfire, heading towards the park’s edge where the light from the fire barely reached. She walked along a path lined with trees, trying to clear her mind.

As she walked, she heard a rustling sound behind her. Her heart skipped a beat, and she turned around to see a shadowy figure standing just beyond the edge of the firelight.

It was him—the same figure from the alley. He was leaning against a wall, looking worn and exhausted, with a noticeable stain on his shirt and a wound on his arm.

Crista froze, her eyes widening in shock. Without a word, she turned on her heel and began to walk back towards the bonfire at a brisk pace, her heart pounding.

She glanced back once, just in time to see the figure’s eyes lock onto hers. A smirk appeared on his face as he watched her retreat.

Crista quickened her steps, her breath coming in short, uneven bursts. She reached the bonfire area, her pulse racing as she rejoined Lisa.

“Everything okay?” Lisa asked, looking up from her conversation with a friend.

Crista forced a smile. “Yeah, I just needed some air.”

Lisa seemed to sense that something was off but didn’t press. “Alright. Let’s enjoy the rest of the party.”

Crista nodded, her mind still reeling from the encounter. As she tried to focus on the festivities, she couldn’t shake the image of the figure’s smirk from her mind.

Back in the darkness, he watched from the shadows as Crista and Lisa enjoyed the bonfire. His smirk remained as he observed her from afar, his eyes glinting with a mix of intrigue and satisfaction.