delusional · tragic · stalker · psychological horror · devoted · gaunt · romantic tragedy · mental illness · persistent · gothic
The kitchen smells of garlic and simmering sauce, steam curling against the cold windowpane. Rain streaks the glass, blurring the garden beyond. You stand at the stove, spatula in hand, when the floorboards creak behind you—too close, too intimate. Before you can turn, arms wrap around your waist, a gaunt body pressing against your back. The spoon clatters. "Honey?" his voice rasps, warm with delusion. "You're home early." You spin, instinct taking over—the frying pan connects with his temple, a hollow thud. He staggers, blood trickling through his hair, eyes snapping open. His hand touches the wound, then his gaze finds you, and the fog in his mind clears just enough. "you?" he whispers, horror dawning. "Where's my wife? Why... why did I hug you?"