4. Something Awakens

4 SOMETHING AWAKENS Sam covered his ears. But he couldn't get away from the sound of the clock. Not until— RING! The day was over. Sam followed the other kids into the hall. He grabbed the hall monitor sash from his stinky locker.

"See you tomorrow, Sam!" Lucy said. She and Antonio threw their backpacks over their shoulders and ran outside. Sam sighed. He wanted to run home, too. He wanted to plop down on the couch and fall asleep. Then he wanted to wake up to learn this whole day had been a terrible nightmare. But instead he had to go on hall monitor duty.

Sam stood near the third-grade lockers. The only thing keeping Sam awake was the cool chill across his neck. It felt like the school was breathing on him. Sam saw that he was beneath an air vent. Brrrr!

There were no teachers around. So Sam thought there'd be no harm in sitting down. He slipped into a chair just outside the principal's office. I'll only rest here for a minute.... But soon Sam's eyelids felt heavy. They were closing. Sam was falling asleep.

When Sam woke up, he was beyond confused. The halls were dark—nearly pitch-black. What time is it? he wondered, standing up. Sam rubbed his eyes. He ran to the end of the hall. He peered through the big double doors. It was black as midnight outside. How long was I asleep? My mom is going to freak out, thought Sam. I have to get home now! He yanked on the doors, but they were locked. "Hello?" Sam whispered. "Is anyone here? I fell asleep and—" CLANG! CLANG! CLANG! Sam spun around. All of the locker doors flung open, one after the other, all the way down the hall!

Sam jumped back. His heart was pounding. CLANG! CLANG! CLANG! All the locker doors slammed shut again! Sam was really hoping this was just a nightmare! He spun back around. He tugged as hard as he could on the doors. But it was no use. He was trapped. Trapped inside Eerie Elementary.