And tugged. I gritted my teeth and pulled with all my strength. But my palm was stuck tight to the back of Scott’s hand. And his hand was pressed to the doorknob. Behind us, the howls grew louder. The cold, putrid wind floated into the kitchen. I knew the screaming ghosts wouldn’t be far behind. Vanessa stepped up behind me. “Let me help,” she said. “NO!” I shouted. “Stay away! Don’t touch us!” Vanessa’s eyes went wide with horror as she stared at Scott and me, our hands locked together. Suddenly, the kitchen grew silent. I turned my head—and saw the five ghosts, staring at us. Staring at us with blank, glassy eyes. They were a family. A ghost family. Grandmother, father and mother, two kids. “They’re—they’re coming for us,” Vanessa whispered. Yes. They were moving quickly now. Floating silently around the kitchen counter. Their empty eyes locked on us coldly. Their faces knotted in anger. As they came toward us, I twisted my hand and tugged hard, trying to free myself.
