Memoirs of a Neon Girl: A 1980s Thriller

Synopsis: Double Dog Dare In the present day, a Gen X woman looks back at the formative years of her youth-specifically the ages of 13-14—recalibrating her memories of a vibrant childhood that was abruptly shattered by a dangerous stalker who wore a red hoodie. Growing up biracial in the 1980s, Sani navigates a complex family dynamic shaped by her sister, mother, and father who fought in the Vietnam War. Despite the underlying societal pressures of the era, her world is predominantly filled with the colorful, electric nostalgia of the decade: neon lights, endless roller-skating rink days, Ouija board sessions in dimly lit bedrooms, and the sacred bond of teenage slumber parties. The heart of the narrative shifts during one fateful sleepover. Fueled by the ultimate peer pressure of a “double dog dare”, Sani and her friends sneak out into the dark neighborhood. What begins as a thrilling, rebellious childhood prank turns into a nightmare when she runs directly into her stalker. The encounter escalates into a violent attack, a terrifying focal point that alters the trajectory of her youth and forces her family to confront an immediate, dangerous threat. Infused with true elements, this memoir-style story compares the pure, innocent joy of 80s youth culture against the chilling reality of survival, ultimately exploring how family bonds and personal resilience shape the healing process decades later. This is meant to be broken up into a series.