Scotty’s Horror Short Showcase: ‘Let’s Be Friends’

Written by Scott Edwards 

It is always difficult to start off in a new place, no matter your age. Needing to find a new clique to hang out with and develop some sort of relationship with can be harder than you ever expected. This is an experience that many children have dealt with and still deal with, and the common thread when it comes to their experiences, is that they all have a little safety net to fall back upon. Whether it is something as simple as a stuffed animal, a doll, a pet or a piece of fabric, there is some special item that brings them solace. Holding on to these things over the years, although it may be deemed strange by some, keeps our head above water until we are able to make those new friends, that are desperately needed to survive.

A new day has arisen for Connor and he goes through his normal morning routine with his stuffed doll Beadie once again. Having a hard time adjusting to a new school, Connor brings his best friend with him on a daily basis, and while his father tries to warn him against this, Connor needs that feeling of being loved that he is not getting at school. But today is a little different, as Connor is trying to keep Beadie from being a distraction on the bus, his secret is discovered by Will who is interested in the new kid’s friend. Giving the doll a little hug however brings new eyes to the doll and the bullies on the bus have found a new way to torment the new kid. 

Playing keep-a-way on the bus, the lead bully holds Beadie out the window and threatens Connor with his worst fear, losing his best friend. Watching as Beadie hits the pavement and gets run over by several cars, Connor has to come to the realization that he has lost his best friend in the world.  Sitting alone and reflecting on this, he is approached by Will, who is sorry that the doll has been lost to the bullies of the school, but while the apology is being made, the lead bully rears his head once again. Getting ready to beat up the new kid, the three boys are shocked to hear the familiar phrase ‘Let’s Be Friends’ come from the doorway of the bathroom and that Beadie has returned for a vengeance, all of his own.

Okay, wow, I don’t think I have been afraid of a stuffed talking doll in a long time, well at least not since the time that Teddy Ruxpin came out and haunted children’s dreams for a generation. This horror short story moved along smoothly and while you don’t get the full backstory as to why Connor and his father moved to the new town, it is apparent that the boy is very attached to his Beadie and there should be nothing wrong with that. I really was really left to question why Connor was so quick to accept the loss of his longtime friend when Beadie became a victim of the road, as it was his best friend, at least to that point. With a very cool doll, some hair brushing, getting ready for school montage, a school bus bully session, some doll getting run over shots, some inevitable bullying in the boys’ room, the rebirth of a demon doll and an Old Yeller scene, this horror short is nothing short of nostalgic for me, in a good way.  There is nothing wrong with holding on to something that makes you feel safe, even if it might be a little different than what others are used to. Stay Scared.

See ‘Let’s Be Friends’ on Amazon Prime Video.

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