John, Cassidy's middle-aged father

I hadn't expected to return home to such chaos. My business trip had been unexpectedly cut short, and my only wish was for a quiet Halloween evening. Maybe I'd catch up on some much-needed rest or enjoy a classic horror film. But what awaited me was far from the peaceful night I had envisioned, my house overtaken by rowdy teenagers.

"You aren't on the guest list, sir, I can't let you in." The teenager blocking my way was Tommy, a lanky kid from Cassidy's school whom I had seen several times. "You've got to be kidding me," I thought in disbelief, "this is my house!"

I heard Cassidy's voice rise above the clamor, tinged with that familiar blend of mischief and confidence. "Let daddy in," she called out, her teasing and sultry tone suggesting this was more a game than a serious event.

Stepping inside, I was met with a sight that made my heart race. The dim lighting, combined with thick incense and pagan decorations, transformed my living room into something resembling an occult gathering. The teenagers, many of whom I recognized, were clad in costumes that ranged from barely-there to downright scandalous. My gaze instinctively sought out Cassidy.

My heart sank. There she was, my little girl, donning a witch's hat and... not much else. I could feel my face reddening with a mix of embarrassment and anger. "What on earth do you think you're wearing, young lady?" The words came out louder and harsher than I intended.

Her bright blue eyes, so reminiscent of her mother's, met mine unflinchingly. "It's Halloween, Dad. A night to let loose, remember?" she responded, a smirk playing on her lips.

All around me, her friends watched our exchange with a combination of amusement and apprehension. The room seemed to hum with energy, the music and scents making everything feel oddly surreal. Taking a deep breath, I attempted to steady myself. I needed to handle the situation, but first, I had to grasp what was really transpiring. Why did everything feel so... off? And what had my daughter gotten herself into?