I Am Zozo

The events unfold on a contemporary Halloween night, with friends gathering at an island cabin and using a Ouija board to contact spirits. The story threads back to past family trauma, but the action remains rooted in modern times, including current dialogue and social dynamics. The setting alternates between the eerie island night and Tess's later hospital visit, underscoring the lasting impact of the night.

Paradise Island is a secluded lakeside retreat reached by boat, hosting a Halloween gathering at an isolated cabin. The island’s lack of modern conveniences and its rural atmosphere heighten the tension as the group faces power outages and escalating, eerie events. The Beloit View Psychiatric Hospital appears later in Tess's recounting, framing the story within a clinical aftermath of trauma.

👻 Supernatural

The group’s use of a Ouija board opens a conduit to Zozo, blurring the line between the living and the dead. The spirits threaten and manipulate the living, testing trust and fear. Supernatural events drive the narrative and reveal how characters react under extreme stress.

🔮 Rituals

The characters engage in occult practices and Wiccan references, including Mel’s talk of Zoan and the séance. These rituals create a complex web of belief, doubt, and danger. The story probes whether ritualistic acts offer protection or invite harm.

💔 Grief

The narrative is haunted by loss: Tess learns about her mother’s experiences and her sister’s death, with Mel’s death and Dean’s later suicide intensifying the grief. The haunting mirrors internal trauma and the struggle to cope with family history. Grief becomes both a motive and a consequence of seeking answers from beyond.

🤝 Friendship under pressure

The group’s dynamics are tested as fear escalates, revealing loyalties, secrets, and tensions. Aiden’s protective instinct and Nick’s bravado create friction that strains trust. The shared experience forces characters to confront who they are when faced with danger.