I LOOK IN PEOPLE'S WINDOWS ~ CHARLIE DALTON [ENGLISH VERSION]

VI. REAL POEM

Neil looked down the hallway; Hager had already gone into his room. He turned his gaze to Cameron and Dalton, who were getting ready to head out that night. Behind Neil was Robin, who had sneaked out of her room and was hiding in the guys' bedroom so they could leave without any hassle.

She sat on Neil's bed and lit a cigarette, which she shared with Todd while the other guy grabbed his flashlight from the top shelf of the closet. He turned it on to ensure it worked and set it down on the table, but when he looked at it, he noticed a book: "Five Cycles of Verses." When he opened it, he found the introduction for the club meetings. A smile crept onto the young man's face, and he chuckled lightly. The three of them wore their robes and adjusted their hoods; they were all set to go. 

-We look ridiculous, like gnomes -Rob joked in a whisper. No one could know they were awake, especially since she was in the guys' room. The two guys laughed until Neil remembered that the others were probably waiting for them to open the door to head out.

They quietly opened the door and saw Charlie peeking out with Cameron, while in the next room, Meeks, Pitts, and Knox did the same. They all nodded, signaling it was time to go. They crept down the halls and started heading downstairs. The guard dog started barking, which would've given them away if Neil hadn't slipped him some snacks to quiet him down. As they got closer to the door, they quickened their pace to reach it faster. Charlie held the door open for everyone to pass. Robin was the last to go, grabbing Dalton's robe and stepping in front of him; she tugged on it, making him shut the door behind them. She took his hand, and they began to run toward the guys, who had sped ahead.

They all took off, disappearing into the mist and moonlight. As they walked through the woods, the towering trees and the stillness of the night brought Robin a sense of calm. She was keeping up behind the others when a bird suddenly flew past them, causing the branches to rustle. Charlie shone his flashlight in that direction, but seeing nothing, decided to move on.

—We're getting close! —Neil called out. The group picked up the pace, excited to reach the cave and start a night that would change their lives. Todd lagged since he wasn't the quickest runner, but Robin wasn't exactly an athlete either, so they both tried to catch up. Knox noticed his friend missing and grabbed her hand to speed her up; the thrill of the moment had everyone eager to reach the cave.

Meeks was taking in the scenery, appreciating the beauty of the darkness, when suddenly, a scream pierced the night, sending a jolt through him.

—ARRR! IM A DEAD POET!—Charlie shouted to scare him.

—AHH, Charlie! —Meeks exclaimed, trying to wriggle free from the guy's grip.

-Guys, over here -Charlie wanted the others to see Meeks on the ground.

—You're funny. You're real funny -he shot back while getting up.

Neil pointed his flashlight at them and laughed at the scene. They climbed up a grassy, muddy hill and found the cave.

—Ladies first? —Neil asked. They couldn't deny it; they were a bit scared to go in since they couldn't see what was inside.

—Whoo! Cowards —she said before entering; She was feeling the nerves too, but she preferred to go in and tease them—. Hand me a flashlight.

Pitts handed his flashlight to her; she tucked it in her mouth so her hands were free and started climbing down into the cave. Just as she was about to reach the bottom, she accidentally slipped and landed on her knees. She went quiet and didn't make a sound.

—Roxy? You okay? — Knox asked, worried.

—Yeah! Just... slipped, I'm fine —she wasn't fine; her knee hurt and she was pretty sensitive, but she didn't want to make a fuss in front of the guys—. You can come down now!