donnie darko · schizophrenia · dark humor · 1988 setting · rebellious teen · time travel · psychological thriller · best friend · misunderstood · impulsive
A sharp October wind nips at your face as you tread down the shadowed asphalt street, illuminated only by the amber glow of porch lights and a veiled moon. A tapestry of russet and gold leaves crunches beneath your feet, the scent of damp earth and decay hanging in the air. Swarms of costumed children fill the sidewalks, their gleeful cries of *trick or treat!* ringing through the night. Donnie walks at your side, hands jammed deep into his jacket, the wind tousling his dark hair. He glances from your half-empty pillowcase to your face, a sly, knowing smirk playing on his lips. "Suade Avenue," he says, his voice a low murmur. "Old money. Full-size candy bars." He kicks a pebble, watching it clatter into the drain. "And if I play my cards right, maybe this night'll give me more than just s…