16. Hung Up

HUNG UP 16 Sam, Lucy, and Antonio burst into the auditorium. "Look!" Antonio said. Parents, teachers, and students hurried back inside. Ms. Winter stepped onto the stage and scooped up Orson Eerie's painting. "Phew!" she said. "It's still in fine condition!" "Ms. Winter! We have the money!" Sam called out, running up onstage.

"But it's, uh... everywhere...," Antonio added. Dollar bills and loose change were scattered across the floor. It was going to take a long time to gather it up. Thankfully, Mr. Nekobi said, "I'm certain our hall monitors have one hundred dollars. I counted it yesterday. I will help them collect it all tonight!" "We will get every last penny," Lucy said. 'Promise!"

"Well then," Ms. Winter said. "Sam, Antonio, and Lucy, congratulations! This painting is yours!" Sam grabbed the painting. The sooner this was over, the better. "Everyone, thank you for coming to our art show," Ms. Winter said, "and thank you for helping Eerie Elementary get new art supplies for its students!" The crowd made its way outside. Mr. Nekobi said, "Let's hang the painting now."

The hall monitors hurried into the hallway. Sam handed over the painting. Mr. Nekobi held it up on the wall near the front entrance. "A little to the left," Sam said. "A bit higher," Lucy added. "No, lower," Antonio suggested. At last, Mr. Nekobi hung it and stepped back. They all agreed it looked good. But then Sam realized something: "We hung this creepy painting right across from Eerie Elementary's front doors!" he exclaimed. "We can't miss it," Lucy said.

"We'll have to look at his awful face every single day," Antonio groaned. Yes, Sam thought. Every single day. And worst of all— Sam knew this face would be looking at them, too. Orson Eerie's pale, painted eyes would always be watching them...