Chapter 1 begins with the preface “Two weeks earlier…” and shows a handwritten note by Griffin titled “Sneaking Out at Night—Helpful Hints.” We learn that Griffin and his best friend Ben have followed the plan to sneak out of their houses and spend the night in the abandoned Rockford house. Griffin is complaining that the rest of his classmates did not come even after he invited them. Ben says it is because the house is haunted and suggests that they leave. Griffin refuses, saying he won’t “back down” (8). Soon Ben falls asleep, but Griffin, rattled by the ghost stories, remains awake.   

Chapter 2 provides backstory about the Rockford house, which is slated to be torn down. Griffin proposed the land be turned into a skate park at a town hall meeting, but the adults ignored him, deciding instead to build a Cedarville museum. Griffin decided to stage a sleep-in at the old house as a form of protest, hoping the adults would notice that kids would not be put off so easily. He believes that his classmates missed an opportunity to stand up for themselves by failing to come. While Ben sleeps, Griffin explores the spooky house. A bat flies into his hair, causing him to panic.