"Some say the graveyard is haunted. While people generally think every graveyard is, this one is different. It's home to someone known as the Keeper of the Key. Nobody has ever seen them, yet they still believe in their existence.

"Some say that those who see the Keeper of the Key won't have a chance to talk about it. They will keep their mouths shut, as if locked, like a secret kept in a special box with a special key.

"Some also say that those who manage to speak about the Keeper of the Key's existence will die about four weeks after witnessing them. Terrifying, huh?"

The boy then turned on the light, only to find that one of the club members didn't seem frightened. The others appeared chilled, but this boy remained indifferent.

Billy, who had told the story of the Keeper of the Key, understood why this particular member didn't react to the tale.

Ben, his twin brother, was known as The Heartless Kid because he didn't show many expressions. The only ones he displayed were smiles and frowns. Otherwise, he kept his thoughts to himself.

Billy was concerned because his brother was the type who wouldn't share anything unless asked. Due to his lack of expression, people often assumed he was fine on his own.

Billy sometimes thought the same about Ben. He worried from time to time, but as the years went by, Ben didn't seem to have any hidden problems.

This realization made Billy feel relieved. "What, wasn't the tale of the Keeper of the Key entertaining enough for you?" Billy asked.

Ben shook his head. "It was okay."

"Come on! Our friends are terrified."

"We're not!" another member yelled back. "It's just creepy how you said 'die' with such a blank expression..."

"Oh, shush, Mandy! I know you're scared by the tale."

Mandy pouted. "It was just a tale. You don't know if it's real or not."

Billy raised his brows and smiled at the crazy idea he had. Then he pushed himself to the front. "Bet."

The day they went to the local graveyard was when Billy began calling their friends wimps. Ben didn't agree with his twin's idea but said nothing. He was excited about the change and the chance to spend time with friends and his twin.

Though it wasn't the experience he expected, he felt joy anyway. They had to lie to their parents to stay out late.

The nearest graveyard was about five blocks from the school, which wasn't far. They didn't have any trouble walking, and it was enjoyable as they talked about common interests.

Ben still didn't talk much, but he was a great listener. Billy sometimes thought that was why people liked him, despite his silence. Talking to someone who only stares could be uncomfortable, though.

By the time they arrived, the sun was almost set. The moon was visible, and fortunately, they had flashlights. The graveyard looked eerie with mist swirling around, but they continued exploring.

The first person to step forward was George, the secretary of the Cult Club. He was trembling but ventured in anyway, followed by Ben, Billy, Mandy, Phoebe, Wilson, and Stephen.

It was a relief to discover that the graveyard had a path, making it easier to navigate. Though it was dark, only their flashlights illuminated the area.

They didn't find anything. There was a small hut, but it was empty. Wilson checked it out. Soon after, they decided to leave because Phoebe started to panic.

"Alright," Stephen whispered. "Just don't whine; it sounds annoying."

"Okay, then walk faster!"

It was then that Ben stepped back to take up the rear. The order changed from Billy, Mandy, Ben, George, Wilson, Stephen, and Phoebe to Billy, Mandy, George, Wilson, Stephen, Phoebe, and Ben.

He was somewhat sacrificing himself, like in a high school movie. Phoebe looked at him, confused. "Why did you move to the back?"

"I'll be here for you. Don't be scared."

It was the longest sentence Ben had ever said. Phoebe was shocked, and so was everyone else. That night, a ridiculous shipping between Phoebe and Ben began.

Ben felt more lively than before, thanks to his empathetic act toward Phoebe's fear.

Billy was the most surprised. He told everyone---his parents, friends, teachers---about Ben's act. Ben felt embarrassed but didn't express it. Some thought it wasn't worth bragging about, while others were also shocked, especially those who knew Ben.

It was fun, and Ben enjoyed it, even if he didn't show it much.

***

As days went by, Phoebe grew increasingly terrified. It was the fourth week since they visited the graveyard. Her attitude had completely changed; she was now much more paranoid than before.

She smiled less, talked less, and didn't laugh as she used to. This made the others worried about Phoebe's behavior, so they questioned her in the Club Room.

"Is there something you're keeping from us?" Mandy asked. "You can always tell us; we won't judge."

"Yeah. It's unusual for you to keep secrets," Wilson added.

"What's on your mind?" Billy asked.

"W-were you... did you see the Keeper of the Key?"

Stephen's question shocked the entire clubroom. It was terrifying, and as soon as he asked, Phoebe looked even more frightened. It seemed she had indeed seen them.

Phoebe didn't say anything. She trembled with mixed emotions until Ben spoke up.

"She didn't."

"How do you know?" Billy asked. "Phoebe hasn't said anything."

"It's because she's worried about one of us. She suspected one of us had seen the Keeper of the Key."

All the members blinked. Phoebe cried and hesitated but admitted, "I-I thought one of us must have seen them the day we went to the graveyard...."

"Well, I didn't," Stephen said. Billy, Wilson, George, and Mandy agreed.

That was when Phoebe felt a bit relieved until Ben spoke up again, saying something horrifying.

"I... did..."

All eyes were on Ben. His eyes turned red, then black, and black liquid began to flow from them. Phoebe stepped back, and all the kids stood frozen in fear.

Ben smiled---a forced smile. "I... saw her."

Her.

"She had... a veil covering her face."

Veil.

Ben's appearance was increasingly unsettling. His skin was turning black, and black liquid was flowing from his mouth. His limbs appeared to be distorting.

"She wore an all-black dress, an old one. I think it's from the Victorian era."

All-black.

"She... she didn't have any keys with her, but... but her fingers looked like keys."

The keys were her fingers.

"She pointed at me with her finger and twisted it as if she were locking something in me."

The secret.

Once again, the poor boy smiled. "I think I broke the secret. I... want you to be aware of her. I... thank...."

He died right before their eyes. The kids didn't know what to do other than scream and cry. It was the most traumatic sight they could ever witness.

Ben was unrecognizable due to the severe damage to his body.

***

1.178 words.

I love the name Steven and Stephen. If I ever had a son, I'll name him Steven/Stephen. Shaun would do too.