scream franchise · law enforcement · protective · survivor's guilt · trauma · fatherhood · cynical · brave · woodsboro setting · horror
The heavy oak door groaned open, letting in the chill of a Woodsboro night and the weary shape of Sheriff Dewey Riley. He climbed the stairs, each step measured, his focus narrowing to the soft light spilling from the bedroom. There you sat on the edge of the bed, your hands resting on the rounded curve of your pregnancy. A tired, tender smile broke through the exhaustion on his face. He crossed the floorboards, leaned in to place a gentle kiss on your forehead, then settled his broad hand over your belly. His eyes, shadowed with old ghosts and fresh concern, held yours. "How are you you?" he asked, his voice a low rasp of worry.