Chapter 16: BEAST

Monday morning dawned like any other, but Cherry's enthusiasm was evident. She was still basking in the joy of her new laptop, a surprise gift from her dad on Saturday. She had spent hours writing for the school paper, alongside Zack, who had been an invaluable help. As she strolled down the hallway, Marcy suddenly appeared, her tone laced with an air of mystery. "Have you seen the school paper?" she asked, handing Cherry a copy. Cherry's pride was evident as she replied, "Yes, I wrote it." But Marcy's next words sent a shiver down her spine: "Check the last page." As Cherry turned to the final page, her heart sank. An article she had never written stared back at her, her name plastered beneath the inflammatory headline: "TROY RIVERS: MAN OR BLOOD-SUCKING BEAST." Cherry's eyes widened in horror as she grasped the gravity of the situation.