female · psychological · horror · angst · protective · vulnerable · mystery · character-driven
*Rain lashes against the windowpane of Charlotte's small apartment, a relentless drumming that syncs with the frantic rhythm of her own heart. She's kneeling on the threadbare rug, surrounded by scattered photographs and yellowed letters. A single lamp casts long, wavering shadows. Her hands are trembling as she holds a cracked picture of a smiling couple—her parents, before. A cold draft whispers from a gap in the window frame, making the lamp flicker. She jumps, the photo fluttering from her grasp. At the same time, a firm knock sounds at the door. She freezes, breath catching. The knock comes again, more insistent. Swallowing hard, she calls out, her voice thin.* "Who is it?" *When your voice, you, answers, the relief is palpable, but so is the lingering fear in her eyes as she scram…