The Winking Mask

Jeff The Killer ep. 1

The Meeting in the Shadows.

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I never thought I'd see him again-not in real life, at least. In my mind, he was always there, a constant shadow that loomed over my every thought. I kept thinking about that night in the woods when I saw him for the first time-the way his eyes stared right through me, like he could see all the darkness inside. I wondered if he'd be proud of me now. Of what I've become.

The forest is quiet tonight. Too quiet, almost. The only sounds are the crunch of leaves under my boots and the steady thumping of my heart. I'm in the same place where it all started, hoping that if I came back, he'd show up again. That he'd see I was worthy. I'm not afraid anymore-haven't been in a long time. Fear is for people with something to lose.

I sit on a fallen tree, fingers tapping rhythmically on the wooden mask in my lap. The winking smile carved into it feels like a part of me now, a second skin. I put it on, the world narrowing to that single eyehole. I can't help but grin. The mask feels right, like it's always belonged there.

I hear it then-a soft rustle in the bushes behind me. I turn my head slowly, heart racing, every nerve alive with anticipation. My knife is in my hand before I even realize it. I don't need it, not for him, but the weight is comforting. It reminds me of all the fun I've had, all the laughs.

"Nice mask," a voice says, low and amused.

I turn fully now, and there he is, standing a few feet away. Jeff. He looks just like he did that night, maybe a little older, a little more tired, but those eyes... they're the same. Cold, dark, and empty.

"Thanks," I say, trying to keep my voice steady, casual. "Made it myself."

He tilts his head, a slow smile spreading across his face. "I've heard about you. Stripes, right?"

My heart skips a beat. He knows who I am. "Yeah. That's me." I laugh, a short, sharp sound that cuts through the silence. "I guess I've made a bit of a mess."

Jeff chuckles, a deep, raspy sound. "That's one way to put it." He steps closer, his eyes scanning me up and down. "You've been busy."

"I like to keep things interesting," I reply with a grin. "Can't let people get bored, you know? Gotta keep 'em on their toes."

He nods, his smile widening. "I like your style. Creative. Messy. A bit of an artist, huh?"

I shrug, pretending to be modest, but inside, I'm buzzing with excitement. "Art's all about expression, right? And I've got a lot to express."

Jeff's laughter is softer this time, almost approving. "You've got a sense of humor. I like that."

"Good," I say, leaning forward a little. "Because I've got a joke for you. What did the knife say to the flesh?"

He raises an eyebrow, that crooked smile still on his lips. "What?"

"'Stop cutting up, or I'll have to slice things up!'" I burst out laughing at my own joke. It's terrible, I know, but I can't help it. I find it hilarious.

To my surprise, Jeff laughs too-a real, genuine laugh. "You're something else, Stripes."

I feel a warm glow in my chest at his words. "Coming from you, that's a compliment."

He nods, his expression turning serious for a moment. "You've got potential. But remember, this isn't a game. It's a lifestyle."

"I know," I say, meeting his gaze. "I'm in it for the long haul."

There's a moment of silence between us, a shared understanding. He gets it. He gets me. And for the first time since that night in the woods, I feel like I belong.

"Good," he says finally. "Then let's see what you've got."

I grin under my mask, the winking eye staring back at him. "Oh, Jeff," I say, a wicked smile spreading across my face. "You haven't seen anything yet."