Let Me Call You Sweetheart

Plug in Baby

Today was the day you and the rest of Unholy Angel had been waiting for, the Halloween Carnival Opening night.

Not just any old carnival this year, though. This year the theme was based on the cult video game series The Curse of Hawkins. Of course, you and the band always went to get your midnight copy by queuing up at the local game store in cosplay as your favourites.

Dustin Henderson, the game visionary, was gonna be here this year to open the carnival, and due to some connection between this god-like genius and your boss Mr Harrington, the festival was going to be virtually right next to work!

There were rumours that this year they were bringing a VR simulation ride to tease the next game instalment.

 Mr Harrington had even agreed to let the four of your take the early shift and pulled some strings so you could be in the first batch of riders.

You grabbed your cosplay suitcase from the closet and wheeled it out. You popped it open and checked everything was in its place. It had taken ages to make, to get it just right and match the game exactly.

You grab your jacket and poke your head out of your room. No one was around. They were probably still sleeping off last night. You sneak out as quietly as possible and quickly run down the road once you make it past the front door.

You were first to arrive at the store, as per usual. However, Mr Harrington's car wasn't here yet, so you take a stroll outside the carnival.

You could see the usual local business food trucks that frequented any event of this kind, the typical kind of static rides and game stalls, but there were a few more exciting things.

In one corner, you saw something that looked like a colossal silver van. Above is a giant screaming bat-like creature impaled on the neck of a guitar. This must be the ride indeed.

Then in the back corner nearest the store, you see a walk-through experience with a gift shop stuck on the side.

This was going to be the best Halloween week ever!

You take a few pictures on your phone and send them to the group chat.

'This year is gonna be so fucking epic!!!

 You

'IS THAT THE VR RIDE??!!!! SO FUCKING METAL!!!' 

 Terry

You are about to reprimand Terry's use of Caps but are immediately distracted by someone calling your name. 

You look around, but there is no one. You try to get a better look inside the walk-through experience. Seeing if you can snap any pictures of props or actors. You stand on your tiptoes, holding your phone up high and try to take a picture of the bit behind the fence.

You take a look at the image. It's blurry, but you can see some lab equipment and a big throne-type chair, but that's about it. You clean the lens and try again. Same thing.

You turn around to take a picture of the second-hand store behind you, and the image is crystal clear.

 They must have some sort of screen up you can't see. You look at the image of the thrift store again and quickly run over to it.

You audibly gasp. In the window is a vintage guitar. Its body is battered around the edges, some parts look scorched almost, but it is beautiful. Maybe one of the most beautiful things you've ever seen.

You put your hand up towards the glass and imagine you are touching it. Running your fingertips along the strings or its gorgeous red crackle body.

You take a close-up picture of it to find out about it later.