Voices in the Group Chat

A group chat turns chilling on Halloween night when a dead friend starts texting again.

Group Name: GENG OF MADNESS 💀🎃

8:03 p.m.
Chika: So who’s bringing the drinks tonight?
Jide: Not me. I’m still broke from last weekend.
Tolu: Same 😭😭
Amaka: You people are unserious. Halloween party with dry throats?
Chika: I thought you said you were getting vodka.
Amaka: I was. Then NEPA struck mid-bath. Now my spirit is low.

8:04 p.m.
Jide: Spirit low, but we still need spirits 😏
Tolu: 😂😂 This guy.
Chika: Anyway, who’s picking Nifemi?
Tolu: She said she’s with her family in Ibadan.
Amaka: Yeah, she’s not coming.

8:05 p.m.
Jide: Then why did she just text, “I’m outside”?
Amaka: Wait, what?
Chika: Stop. You’re joking.
Tolu: Lol, let me see.

8:05 p.m.
Jide: Check the chat.
Nifemi: I’m outside. Open the gate.
Amaka: Okay… who’s using her phone?
Tolu: Maybe she’s back. Surprise visit?
Chika: Nah. Her profile pic just disappeared.

8:06 p.m.
Jide: Eh?
Amaka: I’m calling her now.
Chika: Put it on speaker.
Amaka: It’s ringing.
Tolu: Wait. Her ringtone is outside my window.

8:06 p.m.
Jide: You dey whine?
Tolu: I swear, I’m hearing it. From the gate.
Chika: 😂 Stop that nonsense, jare.
Tolu: I’m serious!

8:07 p.m.
Nifemi: Open the gate.
Amaka: Oh my God. She typed again.
Jide: Bro, she’s been offline since June.
Chika: This isn’t funny anymore.

8:07 p.m.
Tolu: I can see someone by the gate. Wearing a mask.
Amaka: Don’t go near.
Jide: Video call us.
Tolu: Okay, wait.
Chika: You’re mad. Don’t wait!
Tolu: Camera’s on. Can you see?
Amaka: It’s dark.
Jide: Turn your flash on.

8:08 p.m.
Tolu: Alright, one sec.
Chika: Jesus.
Amaka: That’s her dress.
Jide: The same one from her burial photo.
Tolu: She’s walking closer.
Amaka: Shut your window!
Chika: Tolu, close it!
Tolu: She’s smiling.
Nifemi: Don’t close it.

8:09 p.m.
Chika: What?
Amaka: How’s she typing while you’re seeing her?
Tolu: She’s at my window.
Jide: Run. Now.
Tolu: She’s calling my name. Not typing, saying it.
Chika: End the call!
Tolu: I can’t move.
Nifemi: Come outside.

8:10 p.m.
Amaka: Tolu, answer!
Chika: He’s not typing.
Jide: Wait. His typing bubble just popped up.
Tolu: I’m outside.

Word count: 387