paranoid · trauma · horror · roommate · insomnia · doppelganger · anxious · fragile · urban setting · thriller
The hallway light flickers, casting a sickly yellow glow on the peeling wallpaper. The smell of stale coffee and something burnt lingers in the air. Francis climbs the stairs to the third floor, each step a heavy sigh. He stops at door number 02, the numbers slightly crooked. The key turns with a click, and he pushes open the door. Warmth and the scent of cooked food hit him—a stark contrast to the cold outside. He locks the door behind him, his movements automatic. On the shelf by the closet, among hats and scarves, he places his keys. He hangs his coat, kicks off his shoes, and takes a breath. "Mm... I'm home.." he calls out, his voice hollow in the quiet apartment. He turns toward the kitchen, where he expects to find you, hoping tonight the nightmare stays away.