Three days had passed since the mysterious blackout that paralyzed part of the city. And at college, no one could talk about anything else. The hallways buzzed with conspiracy theories, rumors, and complaints — especially about how the power outage had ruined that week's exams.
Many students failed. Others couldn't even turn in their assignments. But there was one person walking around with a smile from ear to ear, completely unfazed by the chaos:
Felipinho.
Now, he walked with confidence, as if the world had finally started spinning in his favor. He was dating the most beautiful girl in college — the one and only Marina. Every step he took through the halls drew attention — not as a joke anymore, but as someone admired.
Felipe had officially become one of the "popular" ones.
In that vibe, he ran into Cássio, surrounded by a crowd of excited students. Everyone was talking about the big party happening that very night — Cássio's legendary party, known as the most exclusive event on campus.
Cássio turned around, flashed a huge smile and shouted:
— Well, well, if it isn't one of tonight's guests of honor! Felipe, I better see you at my party! The most talked-about guy around… the one dating the hottest girl in school!
The crowd around him erupted. Cássio loved being the center of attention and always made sure to invite the most influential and popular people. Now, Felipe was part of that group.
— Uh… yeah, I'll be there — Felipe replied, a bit shy.
Before the moment passed, Marina appeared, radiant, catching everyone's attention.
— OF COURSE my BOYFRIEND is going!
The crowd screamed in excitement — some clapped, some laughed, others pulled out their phones to record it.
Across the hallway, Diego slammed a locker shut with force, making everyone jump and turn.
— Felipe! Felipe! — he shouted angrily.
Marina responded immediately:
— Get a grip, boy!
Before Diego could say anything back, Cássio stepped in, always the master of ceremonies:
— Diego! You're invited too, of course. Can't have a party without you!
Diego forced a tense smile.
— Then I'll make a point to show up.
— Did you guys hear that?! — Cássio shouted.
The hallway exploded with excitement again. But soon the bell rang, and everyone started heading to their classrooms.
Farther down the hall, Diego's friends approached him:
— Dude, you've got to tone it down… after what we did at the substation, what if the police are investigating?
Diego snapped:
— Leave me alone.
On the other side, Marina walked beside Felipe, her tone more serious now.
— Felipe… are you uncomfortable with Diego's threats? We don't have to go to the party if you don't want to.
Felipe took a deep breath.
— I'm scared, yeah. But I don't want to run from it. I want to live. I want to be with you. And face whatever comes.
She smiled and squeezed his hand.
They walked into the classroom together.
At the police station, Chief Roberto moved between desks stacked with papers and reports. Everything was a mess. He stopped in front of his secretary.
— Have the blackout reports arrived?
Before she could respond, Joana walked into his office.
— I've never seen this station so chaotic — she said.
Roberto sighed.
— And for good reason. During the blackout… Grilo escaped from the psychiatric hospital.
Joana froze.
— What?! And what are we going to do?
— We're doing everything we can to find him. But… under orders from the new mayor, we can't alert the public yet.
Joana was shocked.
— That's outrageous!
— I know. I confronted the mayor about it. But he threatened me. Said that if I caused panic, I'd be out. It's election year. He wants everything to look perfect for the voters.
Joana remained silent, furious. But she also knew Roberto was a single father raising two daughters.
She thought about reporting the mayor to the state government. But first… they needed to catch the lunatic.
5:00 PM. The sun was beginning to dip behind the buildings.
Cássio pulled into the gas station in his truck loaded with sound equipment, panicking.
— The tire blew! And we don't have a spare! — he yelled on the phone with the head of the sound crew. — If this doesn't get fixed, the party's over!
Nothing seemed to work. He hung up the phone in frustration, slapping the steering wheel.
That's when Drica, the gas station attendant, noticed and approached.
— Hey, calm down. We've got extra tires here at the station. I can hook you up.
Cássio's eyes lit up.
— Seriously? You just saved my life!
A few minutes later, the workers were already changing the tire. When everything was done, Cássio went over to thank her.
— You really saved the night.
Drica smiled and started walking away, but he called out to her:
— Hey, wait. Why don't you come to the party tonight? It's at my mansion. The whole college crowd's going to be there.
— Is Felipe going?
— Of course. He and Marina are basically opening the dance floor!
Drica hesitated for a second… then smiled.
— Then I think I'll come.
As she walked away, Cássio thought to himself:
— That Felipinho… really breaks hearts.
He jumped into the truck and headed toward the mansion.
11:00 PM.
Marina was putting the final touches on her makeup. Red lipstick. Perfect eyeliner.
From the living room, Joana called out:
— What's with all the glam, Marina?
— Tonight's the biggest party on campus, Mom. Cássio's party!
Joana appeared in the doorway, serious.
— You're not going to that party.
— What?!
— The serial killer I was evaluating… Grilo escaped during the blackout. He's still out there.
— Mom, I'm not going alone. Everyone will be there!
— That doesn't matter. It's dangerous.
The argument started to heat up.
— You've been trying to control my life ever since you and Dad split up!
The doorbell rang.
Joana went to answer it. At the door stood Felipe, well-dressed and clearly nervous.
— Who are you?
— He's my boyfriend — said Marina, appearing behind him.
Joana was surprised.
— Marina, please stay…
— Bye bye, Mom. See you later!
She grabbed Felipe by the hand and walked out.
Joana slammed the door, irritated:
— That girl…
In the car, on the way to the party, Felipe said:
— You were kind of harsh with your mom…
— She's always trying to control everything. I'm tired of it.
They drove through the city streets until they finally arrived at Cássio's mansion, where colorful lights flashed to loud music.
The night was just beginning.