WHO AM I

UNMASKING THE TRUTH

The following night, our resolve to protect the mural was stronger than ever. We gathered again in the art room, armed with our flashlights, snacks, and a new sense of urgency. Each of us felt the weight of the potential threat, and it transformed our group into a tight-knit team.

"Tonight's the night we catch whoever's been trying to mess with us," I declared, feeling a surge of determination.

"Or at least get some good snacks while we wait," Jasper quipped, munching on popcorn. "I'm pretty sure we can bribe the vandals with these!"

"Great plan, Jasper," Noah replied, rolling his eyes. "Because nothing says 'please don't ruin our art' like popcorn."

As the evening wore on, our playful banter helped ease the tension. We shared ghost stories and ridiculous conspiracy theories about the seniors. But just as we were getting comfortable, the lights flickered ominously.

"Did you guys see that?" I asked, glancing at the others.

"Maybe it's a sign," Eli suggested, half-joking. "Like a supernatural warning to stop being so creative!"

"Or a warning that we're about to get haunted by paint-spilling ghosts," Phillip added, pretending to shiver.

Suddenly, we heard a soft thud from outside the art room. My heart raced. "Did you hear that?"

We all nodded, wide-eyed. "Let's check it out," I whispered, inching toward the door.

As we opened it, we were met with an unsettling silence. The hallway was dimly lit, and the shadows danced along the walls. We crept forward, flashlights illuminating the path ahead.

"Stay close," I whispered, trying to suppress the nervousness creeping into my voice.

Just then, another noise echoed—this time it was louder, like a door slamming shut. We all jumped, and I could feel the adrenaline coursing through me.

"Okay, what if it's just the wind?" Noah suggested, though his voice lacked confidence.

"Or the wind is the vandals," I countered, unable to shake the feeling that something was off.

As we approached the source of the sound, we noticed the door to the supply room slightly ajar. I exchanged glances with Eli, who nodded for me to take the lead. Taking a deep breath, I pushed the door open.

Inside, the room was dark, and I could barely make out the outlines of shelves filled with art supplies. Just as I was about to call out, I spotted a shadow darting behind a stack of canvases.

"Who's there?" I demanded, trying to sound braver than I felt.

A figure emerged from the shadows, and I nearly gasped. It was one of the seniors, a guy named Derek, who often hung out with a notoriously troublemaking crew.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, my voice a mix of confusion and anger.

"I—uh—was just, you know, checking on things," Derek stammered, clearly caught off guard. "I didn't think anyone would be here."

"Yeah, right," Jasper said, stepping forward. "You know we've been hearing rumors about vandalism. Are you the one behind it?"

"No way!" Derek shot back, though his eyes darted nervously. "I just wanted to see the mural. It's... actually pretty cool."

"Cool enough to ruin?" I challenged, crossing my arms. "You don't seem like the type to appreciate it."

"Look, I swear I'm not here to mess anything up," he insisted, his tone turning serious. "I came to warn you. Some of my friends are planning to come tonight, and they're not just going to admire your art."

"What?" I said, feeling a mix of disbelief and dread. "Why would you warn us?"

"Because I think it's stupid," he replied, looking genuinely frustrated. "I didn't sign up for this nonsense. Just... protect your mural, okay?"

Before I could respond, he turned and dashed out of the room, leaving us in stunned silence.

"What just happened?" Phillip asked, bewildered.

"He's definitely hiding something," I said, my mind racing. "But why would he warn us?"

"I think we need to stay vigilant," Eli said, looking around the room. "If he's telling the truth, we have to be ready for anything."

Suddenly, the lights flickered again, and I felt a chill run down my spine. "We need to figure out who else is involved," I said, determination building within me. "This isn't just about the mural anymore."

As we regrouped, I couldn't shake the feeling that we were caught in a much larger game. With shadows lurking around every corner, I knew we had to uncover the truth—before it was too late.