132 years later, in present-day Connecticut, two teenage boys named Allen Ryder and Aiden Synth were chuckling over a local legend. “What a bunch of malarkey,” Allen scoffed. “You said it, bro,” Aiden replied, laughing as they flipped through the pages of an old book. Just then, Allen’s phone buzzed with an unexpected message that read: “To all disbelievers: come to Dudley Town Forest to find the legendary Wilbur T. Spydersson!”
“Hey, check this out,” Allen said, showing the screen to Aiden. “No way, I got the same message!” Aiden exclaimed, wide-eyed.
“Wait a sec, how’d we both get this at the same time? And how did it know we thought the legend was a joke?” Allen's skepticism was clear.
“Maybe it’s just a coincidence! It could be a party or some corny festival. It might actually be fun!” Aiden insisted, trying to convince his friend.
“I don’t kno—” Allen started, but Aiden cut him off with excitement. “Alright, let’s do it! You won’t regret this!” As Aiden dashed home to get ready, Allen couldn’t shake his unease.
When Allen finally slipped into his dapper black suit, his stepmother, Rachael Elderbottom, barged into his room. “What are you doing? Where are you going? ARE YOU GOING ON A DATE? I will not stand for this!” she exclaimed, channeling the drama of a fairy tale villain.
“Chill, Rachael—you make it sound like I'm sneaking off to a secret rendezvous! I’m going to a party! Besides, you know no girl is interested in a nerd like me!” Allen replied, exasperated.
“Yeah, that is true… well, have fun,” Rachael said with a dismissive wave.
Allen raised an eyebrow but didn’t respond. This rare chance for adventure was too good to pass up, so he hurried out the door and into his car. Little did he know, Rachael had other plans. She stomped over to her spoiled daughter Prudence’s room and bellowed, “Get up and follow your brother. He’s been lying through his teeth and sneaking off lately. If you catch him, I’ll give you whatever money you want!”
Prudence, a bratty, intelligent, and self-serving 16-year-old, rolled her eyes but felt a flicker of intrigue at the prospect of getting her hands on her brother’s secret. After all, success was sweeter when it came at the expense of someone else.