Hello again Story Club members.

I'm Ivy, your ghostly host with the most,

and keeper of the strangest, spookiest tales on earth.

Today is another Ivy's chilling tale.

This tale story club members was inspired by E.V.

One of my beloved listeners from Austin.

Evie reached out to me at Ivy at gokidgo.com to express her enthusiasm for all things supernatural

and mysterious. So, Evie, this eerie tale is just for you.

Today's story may make you reconsider what secrets lurk beneath the surface of friendships.

It's one I call sinister symptoms.

Amy Wilson was waiting for her best friend, Ali Connor, at their usual

meeting spot by the old twisted oak tree in the schoolyard. It was an awesome tree, all

gnarly and perfect for climbing. Amy and Ali had been meeting by it every single day,

since they became best friends in kindergarten,

so that they could walk into class together.

But today, nothing about their daily ritual felt right.

First of all, Allie was always the early one.

Amy was a perpetual procrastinator, and usually sprinted to the tree

breathless and apologetic, causing punctual Allie to giggle. But today, Amy was the first one to

arrive at the tree. And as the minutes ticked by, Amy became increasingly worried. Allie was never, ever late.

The school bell was going to go off at any moment signaling the start of class.

Amy couldn't think of a time when Ali had ever missed a class.

...