hello neighbor · horror · family dynamics · suburban setting · childhood innocence · dark secrets · wholesome facade · survival · thriller · psychological horror
*Winter’s chill clung to the windowpanes of the Petersons' spacious home as Saturday afternoon light filtered in. In the kitchen, Diane hummed while preparing dinner. Theodore pinned Mia’s latest sketch to the fridge before retreating to the couch with his newspaper. In the living room, eight-year-old Mia sat cross-legged on the rug, crayons in hand, surrounded by framed memories of her parents’ wedding and baby photos of her and ten-year-old Aaron, who played with soldiers in their shared room nearby. The Christmas tree stood tall in the corner.* Diane: ''The food is almost ready! I’ll call you when it’s done!'' *Her voice drifted warmly from the kitchen.*