The narrator stated, "While his sister was asleep, Joseph quietly left the house late at night, bringing his jacket and a flashlight. He proceeded to Angelica's residence, entered through a window, and used the flashlight to survey the surroundings." Joseph observed that the home was well-kept and noticed several singing trophies on one shelf. He also identified collections of werewolf-themed literature and films on two other shelves. Ascending to Angelica's bedroom, Joseph discovered a life-size coffin containing a bed, though it was unoccupied. The narrator observed, "Joseph deduced that Angelica might identify as goth, given the presence of a coffin bed—a feature often associated with the subculture."
Subsequently, Joseph placed a rose and a note on Angelica's desk, remarking, "Mission accomplished." Upon hearing someone unlocking the front door, he became concerned. Peering downstairs, Joseph saw Angelica enter, lock the door behind her, and proceed to the bathroom. Taking advantage of this, Joseph exited through the same window he had used to enter. Angelica heard a noise downstairs, investigated, and found an open window. She saw no one outside because the window's bottom concealed Joseph. After she locked the window, Angelica discovered the rose and note, which she appreciated.
Joseph hurried back to his house, the adrenaline slowly ebbing away. He slipped inside, quietly shutting the door. Megan was awake, her bedroom door half-open with her peering out of it. She watched Joseph, noting his jacket, the flashlight dangling from his hand.
"What is he up to?" Megan whispered to herself, concern and curiosity mingling in her tone.
The next morning dawned bright and crisp. The townspeople gathered at "An Alright Fright Bite," the local diner transformed for the occasion with strings of fairy lights, checkered tablecloths, and banners reading Vampire-Free Since Today! Joseph arrived early, setting up his guitar and greeting old friends with warm smiles. The crowd buzzed with excitement, families and teens chattering about the news. The entire town felt lighter, as if everyone had shed a collective burden.
Joseph climbed onto the stage, his nerves electrified by the crowd's energy. He looked out and spotted Angelica standing by the punch bowl, her eyes briefly meeting his. A wave of sadness washed over him—memories of the previous night's vulnerability and the uncertainty of her reaction. But as the band began to play, Joseph shook off the feeling and raised his microphone.
"Alright, everyone!" he called, his voice ringing out. "Let's celebrate with a hoedown!"
Laughter rippled through the crowd. Joseph's fingers danced across the guitar strings as he launched into a lively tune, his lyrics inviting everyone to join in:
"Clap your hands, stomp your feet,
Raise your voices, feel the beat!"
The audience responded with enthusiasm—hands clapping in time, feet thudding against the floor. Joseph wove through the crowd, exchanging playful glances and encouraging shy dancers to join him. Angelica watched quietly, her expression conflicted but moved by Joseph's sincerity.
Megan, sitting with Franco near the back, watched Joseph closely. She leaned toward Franco, whispering, "He seems different lately. Have you noticed?"
Franco grinned, tilting his head. "Maybe he's just happy. Or maybe he's got secrets."
On stage, Joseph ended his song with a twirl and a flourish. The applause was deafening. Joseph bowed, locking eyes with Angelica once more. For a moment, everything stilled, and Joseph felt exposed—his feelings laid bare in the music and the crowd's joy.
As a different song began to play, the guests at the party took to the dance floor. Angelica noticed Joseph and attempted to remain out of sight, but Joseph soon located her. Addressing her directly, Joseph said, "Angelica." Feeling apprehensive, Angelica replied, "Oh, Joseph." With arms crossed, Joseph remarked, "If I didn't know better, I would think you were avoiding me." Angelica responded, "Avoiding? Why would I do that?" Seemingly reassured, Joseph continued, "Very well, though I must admit I am somewhat disappointed. I had hoped you would ask me to dance." Angelica expressed interest with a simple, "Oh." They danced together as Megan and Franco observed. Megan commented, "I cannot believe Joseph is dancing with the person who outperformed us the other night." Franco responded, "I can; it was his idea." Offering his hand to Megan, Franco asked, "Would you care to dance?" Megan accepted and joined him on the dance floor, mirroring Joseph and Angelica's actions. Later, Joseph addressed Angelica, stating, "Both my sister and I initially had reservations about you, but I believe I like you." Angelica replied, "That makes two of us. I think I like you, too." Joseph then dipped Angelica and, upon returning her to an upright position, kissed her hand and said, "Thank you for the lovely dance."
Later that evening, Joseph felt a familiar itch to create. He sat at his desk, scribbling lyrics and strumming chords quietly. Megan, still curious about his behavior, watched from the doorway, her brow furrowed in thought.
When Joseph slipped out again, jacket zipped and flashlight in hand, Megan followed at a distance, careful not to be seen. The night was cold, and she wrapped her arms around herself. She trailed him to Franco's house, peeking through a window where she saw Joseph and Franco seated at a table, a deck of playing cards between them.
The game was tense, the room filled with friendly banter and competitive laughter.
"Ha! Got you again," Franco teased, slapping down a winning hand.
Joseph shook his head, grinning. "Not for long." He studied his cards, then played. "Read 'em and weep."
Franco laughed, conceding. "You're good. I'll give you that."
Megan watched, her suspicion fading. They were just friends having fun—no mystery to solve. She hummed quietly, her voice rising in a playful song of doubt and acceptance, before heading home.
On her way back, Megan met Joseph, who was returning as well. They exchanged tired smiles, the tension between them melting into comfortable silence.
Joseph visited Angelica to invite her over to listen to his new music. After the invitation, Joseph returned home. When Megan arrived, she heard Joseph singing and playing guitar. She entered his room and watched him perform. Finishing his song, Joseph greeted Megan, who admitted she had just wanted to hear him play. He told her she could go, and after leaving, Megan saw Joseph drink water from his glass as if he were a dog. Surprised, she re-entered and caught him; Joseph switched back to drinking normally. Megan remarked that she saw something strange, but couldn't quite name it, so she chose not to dwell on it.
Later, Angelica came by Joseph's house and knocked. Joseph let her in, and the two sat together on his porch while he sang a heartfelt new song for her, expressing his feelings. As he played, Megan listened secretly through the window—she enjoyed the music but worried about Joseph growing closer to Angelica. At the end of their visit, Joseph gave Angelica his phone number and told her to call him. After Angelica left, Joseph went inside, and Megan found herself increasingly anxious about him.