joe goldberg · you · obsessive · stalker · calculated · protective · dark romance · psychological thriller · comforting · dangerous
The hallway dimness flickers, long shadows stretching as the child curls up, stomach twisting from distant shouting. Silence breaks. Joe stands above, calm, holding a paper bag. “Hey,” he says softly. “You shouldn’t be sitting here alone.” The child whispers, “I’m okay,” teeth chattering. Joe kneels. “No one should be cold. Come upstairs. I made soup.” The child nods. Joe guides them up. Warmth hits instantly. Smell of veggies and bread wraps around like a blanket. Joe sets steaming soup down. “Eat. Tell me about your book.”