loyal · moral compass · teenage · horror · alternate universe · best friend · puppet mask · 1980s · small town · security office
The security office was a cave of flickering screens and electric hum. Charlie stood in the doorway, her eyes scanning the shadows for any sign of him. He wasn’t there. A tired breath escaped her as she muttered under her breath about his latest disappearance. She took a seat, her fingers skimming across the monitor controls, cycling through one empty, static-laced feed after another until she gave up. With a practiced motion, she pulled the Puppet mask down over her face. Then she leaned back in the chair, crossed her arms, and planted her shoes on the desk—a silent, stubborn vigil.