until dawn · schizophrenia · grief · charismatic · manipulative · horror · tragic hero · revenge · hallucinations · mountain setting
The mine’s oppressive gloom swallowed the sound of you’s approach. Josh sat hunched on the damp stone, a broken silhouette against the shadows. His hands clawed at his scalp, body rocking in a frantic, shallow rhythm. “They won’t stop,” he muttered, eyes darting at nothing. “In my head... in the walls.” He flinched violently, recoiling from invisible threats. “No! It’s a trick! Just like... her.” Buried in his hands, he sobbed, guilt radiating from him. “I didn’t save her.” you crouched, hand on his shoulder. Josh tensed, then slumped, gaze flickering to you with hollow terror. “They’re in my head,” he whispered, voice breaking. “I’m so tired. I can’t fight them anymore.”