31 Frights of October

Corn Maze / October 27th

Aj and Sam had been best friends since they could remember, their lives intertwined through countless adventures and late-night talks. The autumn sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm golden glow over the small town as they arrived at the annual corn maze festival. Pumpkins dotted the landscape, and laughter echoed from families enjoying the crisp fall day.

"Are you ready for this?" Aj asked, grinning as he adjusted his flannel shirt. Sam rolled his eyes, a playful smile on his lips.

"Please, I've been waiting for this all year. Let's see who can get through the maze first!" Sam challenged, the competitive spark in his eyes evident.

They paid their entrance fee and stepped into the entrance of the maze, a towering wall of corn stalks that rustled ominously in the breeze. The smell of earth and the faint sweetness of rotting pumpkins surrounded them. Aj felt a flicker of excitement mixed with trepidation.

As they walked deeper into the maze, the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting long shadows that danced across the ground. The two friends playfully shoved each other, racing down the narrow paths.

"You're going down!" Aj yelled, sprinting ahead. Sam chased after him, laughter bubbling between them. But as they turned a corner, their playful banter shifted.

"You always have to make everything a competition, don't you?" Sam said, a hint of annoyance creeping into his voice.

Aj stopped, turning to face him. "What's wrong with wanting to have fun? It's just a game, Sam."

"It's not just a game to you. You're obsessed with winning. Can't you just enjoy the moment for once?" Sam shot back, crossing his arms.

The tension hung heavy in the air as Aj's face flushed. "Fine! If you think I'm so obsessed, maybe we should just split up."

"Fine by me!" Sam snapped, turning away. The playful atmosphere had morphed into something charged and uncomfortable. They walked in opposite directions, the maze swallowing their laughter.

As Aj wandered deeper into the corn maze, he quickly realized he had no idea where he was. The tall stalks loomed around him like prison bars, blocking out the fading sunlight. He tried to retrace his steps but found himself only more lost. Panic began to seep in as he called out, "Sam! Are you there?"

No answer.

A shiver ran down his spine. The laughter and music from the festival seemed to fade into an eerie silence. He could hear the rustle of the leaves but nothing else. Each small noise—a branch scraping against the window or the groan of the house settling—made him freeze in place, a knot of fear tightening in his stomach.

Meanwhile, Sam was equally disoriented, his own calls for Aj echoing in the quiet. The maze felt alive, the corn whispering secrets that made the hairs on his arms stand up. Shadows danced between the stalks, and he couldn't shake the feeling that he was being watched.

"Aj!" he shouted, his voice wavering. "Where are you?"

"Sam!" Aj called back, his heart racing. "This isn't funny! Where are you?"

Just as he turned another corner, something flickered in his peripheral vision—a movement. He whipped around, but nothing was there. His breath quickened. Was it just his imagination, or was the maze playing tricks on him?

As the sun dipped lower, darkness began to creep in. Aj felt a cold breeze pass through the maze, rustling the leaves ominously. He stumbled upon an old scarecrow, its tattered clothes and hollow eyes staring into the abyss. The sight sent a jolt of fear through him.

"Okay, this is ridiculous," he muttered to himself, trying to shake off the dread. "It's just a maze. Just find your way out."

But as he continued down the path, strange sounds filled the air—whispers, almost indistinguishable, but unmistakably there. He stopped, straining to listen. It felt like the corn was alive, rustling and murmuring secrets.

"Sam?" he called again, this time a little softer, fear gnawing at him. "If this is a prank, it's not funny."

In another part of the maze, Sam felt his heart race as he stumbled upon a small clearing. A flickering lantern hung from a post, casting eerie shadows that danced on the ground. He approached it cautiously, feeling the cold seep into his bones.

Suddenly, he heard a rustling noise behind him. He spun around, his breath hitching in his throat. "Who's there?" he demanded, voice trembling. But there was only silence in response.

"Aj?" he called, desperation creeping into his voice. "Where are you?"

Just when panic threatened to overwhelm him, Sam heard a familiar voice. "Sam! I'm over here!" Aj's voice cut through the darkness, sending a wave of relief through him.

"Thank God!" Sam shouted, sprinting towards the sound. The two friends collided at the end of the maze, gasping for breath.

"I thought I lost you," Aj said, eyes wide with fear. They both tried to hide their relief, laughing awkwardly. "Did you see anything weird?"

"Yeah, I saw a creepy scarecrow, and I heard... whispers," Sam admitted, shivering.

"Me too," Aj replied, trying to suppress the fear that had crept in during their separation. "I thought I was going crazy."

They exchanged looks, the unspoken understanding of what they had just experienced hanging heavily between them.

"Okay, let's get out of here," Sam said, glancing back at the dark maze behind them.

"yeah" Aj replied, his bravado returning as they began to make their way out together.

As they emerged from the maze, the night air felt refreshing, but the festival lights flickered in the distance, an inviting contrast to the darkness they had just faced.

"Can you believe we got lost in there?" Aj laughed, but there was an edge to it, a hint of lingering fear.

"Yeah, I thought we'd never find each other," Sam said, still trying to shake off the unease.

They paused, glancing back at the maze as the festival lights illuminated its towering walls. "Next time let's stay together" Aj said, his tone more serious.

Sam nodded, understanding washing over him. "I'm sorry for snapping at you earlier. I didn't mean it."

"Me too," Aj replied. "Maybe it'd be more fun if it weren't a competition."

"Maybe? You know it would be." Sam said playfully elbowing him in the side.

As they stood together, a newfound appreciation blossomed between them. They had faced their fears and emerged stronger.

"Let's promise to always stick together, no matter how lost we get," Sam said, a smile breaking through.

"Deal," Aj agreed, their hands clasping in a firm shake.

Together, they turned away from the maze and headed towards the laughter and warmth of the festival, ready for whatever adventure awaited them next, grateful for each other and the bond that had survived the darkness.



Written by pancakes0verwaffles