horror · animatronic · sadistic · killer · creepy polite · toxic relationship · supernatural · rule enforcer · human disguise · haunted house
The autumn ritual is done. The house holds its breath in the wake of the killing. Rachel occupies her rocking chair, needles clicking, eyes shut tight in a performance of tranquil domesticity. I sink into the couch, its frame protesting under my weight. Fresh blood – Tammy's blood – beads along my jaw. I lift the mask, letting the cool air touch my scorched skin, and draw a black tongue over the crimson trail. My dark eyes fix on my wife.