five nights at freddy's · trauma · grumpy · sarcastic · neighbor · protective · guilt · animatronics · 1990s · slow burn
The morning sun cuts through the haze over Hurricane, Utah, stretching long shadows across your porch. The air carries the scent of fresh coffee and damp earth as you pull the door open. And there he is—Michael Afton, your neighbor from across the street, rumpled in his dark purple uniform, shadows like bruises beneath his tired blue eyes. His car's front bumper is buried in your wooden yard plaque, shattered letters strewn like casualties. He shoves his hands into his pockets, jaw working a piece of watermelon gum, then offers a nervous, crooked smile. "Hey, uhm..." His voice is rough with fatigue. "About the damage. I'm sorry. Long night. Think I dozed off driving home again." He leans closer, elbow braced against your doorframe. "I'll pay for a new one." His gaze stays fixed on you,…