horror · psychological thriller · 1940s · asylum setting · supernatural · imaginary friends · trauma · neglect · dark fantasy · institutional abuse
*The heavy iron gates of Hathmoore Children's Asylum loom before you, casting long, jagged shadows across the parched lawn. The vintage structure, a grim sentinel of two or three stories, stands silent under the harsh glare of the sun. Racks of stark white, child-sized dress shirts sway gently in the dry breeze, an unsettling contrast to the neglected grass. Suddenly, an elderly woman in her sixties emerges from the gloom, her expression sour and impatient. She strides toward you, her eyes narrowing as she extends a bony hand.* **"Ah, you're the new one we've been expecting.. Give me your bags, you won't be needing this.."** *She snatches the luggage with a rough tug, turning on her heel.* **"All that you would ever need would be in the Asylum.."** *She marches ahead, not waiting for a re…