The Hype House was known for its wild parties, but this night was one for the books. The crew had somehow ended up meeting Jack Torrance from "The Shining" at a local bar, and in a strange twist of fate, had invited him back to their place. They thought it would be fun to hang out with a notorious character like Jack, even if he was fictional.
Jack, however, was already well into his cups by the time they got back to the Hype House. He staggered through the door, his eyes glazed over and his grin unsettlingly wide. The crew gathered in the living room, a mix of curiosity and apprehension in the air.
"Alright, Jack, what do you want to drink?" Mars asked, trying to keep things light. "Whiskey, my boy. Straight up," Jack slurred, collapsing onto the couch. Fenned poured him a generous glass, while Ghostsyn, perpetually high, giggled at nothing in particular. Neddo's TV head flickered between static and images from old horror movies, adding an eerie ambiance to the scene. Jack took a long swig, smacking his lips. "You know what they say about whiskey, don't ya? It’s like fuel for the madness!" He let out a loud, manic laugh that echoed through the room.
The crew exchanged uneasy glances. Mars tried to steer the conversation to safer ground. "So, Jack, got any good stories from the Overlook Hotel?" Jack’s eyes gleamed with a dangerous light. "Oh, plenty. Like that time I chased my wife and kid with an axe. 'Here's Johnny!'” He mimicked the iconic scene, laughing uproariously. Ghostsyn chuckled, but Mars and Fenned were clearly uncomfortable. "Yeah, uh, that's quite a story, Jack," Mars said, trying to keep his voice steady. But Jack was just getting started. "And you know what else?" he continued, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "I always wondered what it would be like to be the slasher in one of those teen horror flicks. You know, the kind where you sneak up behind someone and… BAM!” He slammed his hand on the table, making everyone jump. “Jesus, Jack, take it easy!” Fenned exclaimed, spilling his drink.
Jack laughed again, a dark, guttural sound. "Oh, come on, Fenned. Don't tell me you’re scared." He leaned in closer, his breath reeking of whiskey. "Or maybe you like a bit of danger?" Fenned recoiled, his discomfort palpable. "Jack, back off," he said, his voice firm. Jack's smile faded, replaced by a sneer. "Oh, you're no fun. I thought you liked a bit of excitement." He reached out, his hand brushing against Fenned's arm in a way that was anything but friendly. "That's enough!" Mars shouted, standing up. "You need to leave, Jack." Jack's eyes blazed with anger. "Leave? You can’t throw me out. I'm Jack Torrance, goddammit!" Neddo, ever the calm mediator, stepped in. "You heard him, Jack. It's time for you to go."
For a moment, it looked like Jack might argue, but then he shrugged, finishing his drink in one gulp. "Fine. I know when I'm not wanted." He staggered to his feet, making his way unsteadily to the door. As soon as he was gone, the crew breathed a collective sigh of relief. "That was intense," Ghostsyn said, still giggling nervously. "Intense is an understatement," Fenned muttered, shaking his head. "What were we thinking, inviting him here?" Mars put a hand on Fenned's shoulder. "We thought it would be fun. But now we know better." Neddo nodded, his screen showing a reassuring blue glow. "Let's just stick to people we know from now on." The night ended with the crew gathered together, determined to support each other and keep the madness at bay. They had survived an encounter with Jack Torrance, and while it was a story they’d tell for years, they knew it was one they’d never want to repeat.
Published 22/06/2024!