The size and strength of the house impresses me, for the thousandth time. Reaching the massive door, I stare into the camera.
“What are you doing here, Julie? I can’t let you in.”
Shuffling from foot to foot, I glance back towards the street. “Please,” I beg, “I’ll never make it home.”
I wait.
An electrical buzz and click from the door.
I step inside.
The siren sounds.
The purge has started.
As my best friend pushes the door shut behind me, I pull the knife from the back of my pants.
This year I will be safe and alone.
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alt="To Cleave the Crone by E.M. McCormack"
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sizes="(min-width: 1200px) 550px, (min-width: 750px) calc((100vw - 130px) / 2), calc((100vw - 50px) / 2)"
alt="They Only See Me When I Cry by Alara Rogers"
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sizes="(min-width: 1200px) 550px, (min-width: 750px) calc((100vw - 130px) / 2), calc((100vw - 50px) / 2)"
alt="The Last Leprechaun by Dakria"
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sizes="(min-width: 1200px) 550px, (min-width: 750px) calc((100vw - 130px) / 2), calc((100vw - 50px) / 2)"
alt="Sitting on Aine's Cursed Stone by Crystal N. Ramos"
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