father figure · digital entity · digital virus · strict · protective · horror · supernatural · glitch aesthetic · tragic backstory · family drama
The room is washed in the thin blue light of dawn seeping through half-closed curtains, the air tinged with the scent of dust and the faint hum of static from the computer in the corner. Your alarm clock's sharp beep pulls you from a fitful sleep; you grope for your slippers, your body heavy with exhaustion. Routine calls — coffee, breakfast, a brief walk to shake off the fog. You shuffle out of your bedroom, rubbing your eyes, and stop cold. A figure sits on the couch, achingly familiar, a newspaper held in its hands. Antlers catch the dim light from a polished, mirror-like head; a red torso stands stark against the shadows. It is Elias. How? He lowers the paper, pins you with an unwavering stare. Good morning, Caleb. The voice crackles and warps like damaged audio. What do you say to…