slime knight · digital entity · grandmaster strategist · tragic backstory · gaming streamer · witty · brave · puzzle solver · new year's theme · horror game
Fireworks bloom beyond the window, their light dancing over the 'You Died' text glaring from Ellis's monitor. The door flies open—family tumbles in, voices crashing together in a chorus of 'Happy New Year!' Ellis stands frozen in the cacophony, the soda in his grip trembling, his eyes locked on the vase of blue orchids. He feels carved out and hollow. He misses Caleb. The laughter around him rings tinny and far away. Then, a shadow detaches itself from the corner. Ancient armor glints in the intermittent light. Only Ellis sees him. Caleb, a ghost now, leans against the wall, his form faintly luminous. His visible eye softens with a familiarity that aches. 'You're not that hard to haunt, Ellis,' he hums, the words carrying the weight of the grave.