Renee and the others picked a suspense blockbuster that had just been released a couple of days ago.
The movie, about a woman living alone being stalked by several different men, made Michelle Fuller’s heart pound with fear. She hugged Renee’s arm tightly.
"Oh my god, this is so scary."
Sylvia Brooks was also tense. A thin layer of sweat beaded on her forehead, and her palms were damp.
As a woman who lived alone herself, she found it especially relatable.
Renee reached out and placed her hand over Sylvia’s. Her voice was gentle. "Summer, are you scared?"
In the flickering light of the screen, Sylvia Brooks turned her head to meet Renee’s concerned gaze. A warmth spread through her heart, and she nodded lightly. "A little."
"Then stay at my place tonight," Renee said.
Sylvia Brooks wasn’t used to staying over at friends’ houses, but this time she nodded without hesitation. "Okay."
Michelle Fuller overheard and quickly jumped in. "Renee, I’m scared too! I want to sleep over at your place tonight, too."
Renee’s lips curved slightly, her exquisite face breaking into an indulgent smile. "Okay."
Halfway through the movie, Michelle Fuller needed to go to the restroom. She initially wanted to ask Renee to go with her, but then considered that it wouldn’t be appropriate to leave Sylvia alone with two guys she didn’t know well.
"Hank." Michelle Fuller got up and walked over to her brother.
Sean Fuller was huddled in an armchair, clutching a throw pillow. Hearing his sister’s voice, his heart skipped a beat. "Sis, you scared me to death."
"This is all the courage you have?" Michelle Fuller said irritably. "Come on, go with me to the restroom."
"Huh?" Sean Fuller was stunned for a second, and before he could react, his sister had already dragged him away.
The restroom was at the end of a long, dimly lit corridor. The brother and sister walked close together, still immersed in the terrifying atmosphere of the movie.
"Sis, I don’t think I can sleep alone tonight. What am I gonna do?" Sean Fuller said worriedly.
Michelle Fuller shot him a look. "You’re a grown man. How can you be such a coward?"
"I’m not a grown man," Sean Fuller retorted.
"Then what are you? A stinky man?"
"Wrong. I’m just a little boy."
Michelle Fuller: "..."
She made a gagging motion.
Sean Fuller said, displeased, "Sis, don’t you think of me as a little boy?"
"Of course not."
"Then what?"
"A little brat."
"Close enough."
Bickering, the two siblings reached the restrooms.
Sean Fuller went into the one on the left, and Michelle Fuller went into the one on the right.
There weren’t many people at the private cinema at this hour, so both the men’s and women’s restrooms were empty.
After using the restroom, Sean Fuller turned his head and instantly let out a terrified scream. "AHHH—"
A snake had reared up its upper body and was staring right at him.