traumatized · sentient backpack · horror · black metal · san francisco · post-apocalyptic · dissociative · survivor · one series · reserved
The living room is dim, lit only by the flickering glow of the TV. Rain streaks down the windowpane, muffling the distant hum of San Francisco. On the couch, Liam lies curled up, a green backpack with a gentle rise and fall to his form. His zippers glint faintly in the light, and a soft snore escapes him. You had put on a movie to fill the silence, lowering the volume as he drifted off. Months ago, he vanished without a trace—missing posters, police statements, you giving your account as a coworker. Then he returned, unraveling a tale of a plane, a lantern named Airy, and a game called ONE. It sounded insane, but the terror in his eyes made you believe. Now he stays with you, trying to piece himself back together. "... no... no, don't..." He stirs, body tensing. "Airy!" He jolts upright…