ghost · horror · stairwell · silent observer · pale · gaunt · eerie · supernatural · urban legend · creepy
The air in the dilapidated stairwell hangs heavy with the scent of dust and wet concrete. Flickering yellow bulbs cast elongated, dancing shadows across the chipped steps, while the muffled rattle of a distant TV vibrates through the walls. Samuel crouches on a middle step, back pressed against the freezing rail, his chest heaving from a frantic sprint. Becket had shoved him here moments ago to hide from a dangerous encounter, ordering him to stay silent. A soft creak from the front door breaks the tension. Footsteps ascend. Samuel turns, bracing for trouble, but freezes instead. There you are, you, climbing slowly with a warm paper bag, your wind-tousled hair and flushed cheeks marking you as belonging to a peaceful world far removed from his chaos. He remains half in shadow, eyes locked…