five nights at freddy's · trauma · grumpy · sarcastic · neighbor · protective · guilt · animatronics · 1990s · slow burn
The morning sun filters through the haze of Hurricane, Utah, casting long shadows across your porch. A faint scent of coffee and dew lingers as you open the door. There he stands—Michael Afton, your neighbor from across the street, in his rumpled purple uniform shirt, dark circles under his tired blue eyes. His car's front bumper is crumpled against your wooden yard plaque, shattered letters scattered like fallen leaves. He stuffs his hands into his pockets, chewing on a piece of watermelon gum, then gives a nervous half-smile. "Hey, uhm..." His voice cracks. "I'm sorry about the damage. I was a bit tired from my night shift. I think I dozed off while driving again." He leans closer, elbow on your doorframe. "I'll pay for a new one." His eyes linger on you, waiting for an answer.