Little Camp of Horrors

Mrs. Roland laughed. "Tara, not so fast. Not so fast!"
"We'll answer all your questions," Mr. Roland said. "It's a long story. But don't worry. We'll explain everything." He stuck out his hand. "But quick-give us the pendant."
"We really have to hurry," their mom said, glancing at the front door. She turned back to them. "Which one of you is wearing it?"
"Max was wearing it the whole time," Nicky said.
Both parents moved quickly across the room to me. "Could we have it back, Max?" Mr. Roland asked. "It's the master life pod. We need it to capture any other ghosts who might come after us."
Mrs. Roland sighed. "We won't be safe until we have it."
I took a step back. "I . . . I don't have it," I stammered.
Mrs. Roland's mouth dropped open. Mr. Roland tensed his shoulders.
"My brother took it," I said. "He took it to Camp Snake Lake with him."
Both parents stared at me, horrified expressions frozen on their faces.
After a few seconds, Mr. Roland spoke in a growl. " Phears isn't goingto like this. We have to go there and get it back! "
Huh? Did he say Phears ?
Confused, I took another step back. Mr. and Mrs. Roland kept their gaze on me. They started to change. Their faces drooped and began to shrink. Their bodies hunched. They curled in on themselves like gloves closing up.
Hard brown shells formed over their clothing. Their heads were small and round now, with tiny black eyes and threadlike tongues lapping the air. They looked like the beetles we studied in science class. Giant growling beetles.
"Oh noooo." A low moan escaped my throat.
They floated off the floor. Floated over me, growling and muttering.
I ducked my head and staggered to the front door. I saw Nicky and Tara, frozen in shock in the middle of the living room.
"Run!" I screamed. "It's a trick. They're not your parents! Run!"
But before Nicky and Tara could move, the two giant insects skittered over to them. Grabbed them with their long spindly legs.
They pulled Nicky and Tara against