"What was that?!" I cried, the words tumbling from my mouth. The boom was so loud that I was deaf for a few seconds. My heart was beating more than ever. I let go of Hazel's hand as my eyes widened. A chill went down my spine, and I shuddered.

I took my eyes off the brown door and checked Hazel. I could see the horror in her eyes. It mocked me because I could do nothing. It was eating away at her, and there was nothing that I could do to stop that fear. We knew. I wrapped my arms around her and rubbed her back. I would never forget it. I can hear the noise. It plays over and over. Stupid brain.

Hazel clung onto my shirt like this small kid. I watched her mouth moving. She was speaking. I focused on her mouth, hoping that I would figure it out. I had to know what she was saying. It was difficult. The booming was still penetrating my ears. I told her about it and led her to a wall. I forced her against said wall and ordered her to sit. She was too frightened. I rested my hands on her shoulders and looked into her eyes.

"It will be okay. Everything will be okay. I am sure that we are not the only people to hear it. Man. We can only imagine what is going through their heads." I looked at the door, and then back at her and smiled. "Everything will be alright. The teachers will investigate that boom. Then it will all be over."

Hazel finally sat down. She whimpered as she wrapped her arms around her legs and brought her knees to her chest. Her body shook as if she were on a ride. She was not taking it well. I thought that she would relax once I rubbed her back. Rubbing mine makes me feel better. I did not blame her. Booms lead to explosions. Folks can die. They are noises that you never want to hear in life. An explosion is a bad - and disgusting - way to die.

Hope that I die in my sleep. Not now. When my time is up.

I raised my hands to my face and stared at them. Huh. Why do I have a funny feeling that I will not die? That I will never die because I am fictional?

I pushed it aside and pointed to said door. "It sounded like that the explosion came from the other side of this door, Hazel."

Poor Hazel was rocking back and forth. She looked like that she had been traumatized. I hoped that she would pull through. I did not find this demeaning. I would be the same if I were in her shoes. My shock had left, so I could think straight. My ears were clear as well. I took her hand and squeezed it. I did not want anyone to see her like this. She was not crazy. She was a bright girl.

"Take deep breaths," I encouraged her. "Deep breaths. Keep doing that while I am gone."

Hazel tightened her grasp on my hand. "Where are you going? Do not leave me. I do not want to be left alone."

I managed to slip my hand from her grip. "I will not be far. I will be in Ms. Undergrove's office. I will not move on until I find out who - or what - caused the booming. I cannot. I will know by the end of the day."

"Are you out of your mind?! What if a dangerous being is there? He or she could hurt you. Or worse. He or she could kill you."

I straightened out my shirt and clenched my fists. "Oh, I am not afraid. Whoever is on the other side will meet my fist. He or she picked the wrong day to frighten you all."

She leaned forward. "You are not scared?"

"I was startled at first, but I am now ready to kick butt. I will send him to Heaven early."

"But...if he is a bad guy, then he will go to...you know."

"He must meet God first. Rather be sooner than later."

A tear rolled down her cheek. "Be careful."

"I promise."

I walked to the door. No sense in tiptoeing. Hazel and I had been talking, so this person must know that we are nearby. I grabbed the doorknob and twisted it. I took a deep breath before opening the door and switching the lights on. The little hairs on the back of my neck stood. I gasped. I could not move.

In the center of said office...was this desk. It was a long desk that stretched from one wall to the other. Nothing to be afraid of. What was behind it froze me in place.

Standing behind it was this boy. I thought that it was a boy. I could not tell because of the mask. He looked up at me and also froze. He creeped me out, but I was not scared. I was not afraid of him. I forced myself to move and closed said door. I brushed hair strands away from my eyes and laid my hands on my waist.

"So it is just you and me," I spoke. "Just you and me. I have no idea who you are or why you are in here, but I know that you are not supposed to be here. Goodness. Did you not read the sign?"

This intruder and I were the same height. His hair was short and brown. His entire skin was covered, so I had no idea what it looked like. He wore black clothes with a matching cape and matching gloves. He resembled a phantom. He was bent over and straightened his back. Then he spoke.

"I know you."

I was taken aback by this. "You do?"

"Yes." He jumped over the desk and grabbed me.

"Hey!"