CHAPTER FIFTY NINE – ANOTHER BREAK IN THE TRIP

As they set off down the narrow streets, the guide regaled them with tales of tragic deaths, vengeful spirits, and unexplained phenomena. Despite herself, Mara found herself drawn into the stories, jumping at every creaky floorboard and rustling leaf. Clarissa and her friends, however, seemed more interested in creating their own scares. As they entered an old, supposedly haunted mansion, Caitlin snuck away from the group, hiding behind a suit of armor. When Tiffany walked by, Caitlin jumped out with a loud "Boo!" Tiffany screamed, stumbling backward into a display case and nearly knocking it over. "Girls!" Mara hissed, steadying the case. "Please, be careful. This is a historic site." But her words fell on deaf ears. Emboldened by Caitlin's prank, the others began trying to outdo each other. Brad snuck up behind an elderly couple on the tour, making ghostly noises that sent them scurrying away in fright. Clarissa, not to be outdone, decided to "enhance" the tour guide's stories w