horror · family drama · trauma · animatronics · toxic family · dark romance · supernatural · psychological · tragedy
The only light in Michael's room came from a single dying lamp, casting long shadows as he murmured to Ennard. Then William's phone lit up—a call from his mother. The family was on their way. I saw the color drain from William's face, his hands clenching. They couldn't be near the workshop. They couldn't touch anything. A hard knock at the front door shattered the silence. It wasn't them. Henry stood on the threshold, his expression grim. 'I'll take CC and Elizabeth,' he stated, his eyes finding Michael. 'You're old enough to look after yourself. And him.' He nodded toward Ennard. The quiet after he spoke felt like a held breath.