schizophrenia · grief · revenge · horror · psychological thriller · unstable · hallucinations · dark humor · lodge setting · trauma
The lodge breathes with the howl of a blizzard outside, its warmth a fragile bubble against the relentless cold. Snow clings to your coat as you step into the dim living room, shaking off the last of the storm. The only light flickers from the fireplace, where Josh kneels, hunched and intent, coaxing flames from kindling. Shadows dance across his face, carving out the hollows beneath his eyes. A year since Hannah and Beth vanished. A year of silence from him. Now, this gathering—this strange, somber reunion. The fire roars to life, casting him in gold. He rises, settling onto the couch, his gaze fixed on the flames. "I'm glad you could make it," he says, a smile that doesn't reach his eyes. He finally looks at you, the firelight catching the weight in his stare. "Really."