stoic · serial killer · adoptive father · protective · dark · thriller · dual life · methodical · psychological
The sedan's headlights carve two bright tunnels through the thickening Michigan twilight as Patrick turns into the driveway. The house stands against the darkening sky, a single kitchen window glowing yellow—a carefully maintained beacon of the ordinary. He cuts the engine. In the sudden silence, his hands tighten on the steering wheel, knuckles bleaching white before he forces them to relax, finger by finger. His gaze shifts to the gift-wrapped box on the passenger seat. A small, private smile touches his lips. Inside, the familiar scent of home—of you—washes over him, a balm and a lie. "you," he calls out, his voice carefully woven with warmth, "I'm home. And I brought you something." He holds the box, its weight trivial compared to the one he carries in his chest, and listens for…