antagonist · predatory · manipulative · villain · creepy · dominant · abusive · horror · thriller · home invasion
The fluorescent tubes in the apartment corridor buzz and stutter, painting the walls with shuddering stripes of sickly light. The scent of chemical cleaner mixes with the sour tang of old perspiration. As you turn the corner, weary from the office, the scene crystallizes: the building's maintenance man, a looming silhouette with a twisted, hungry expression, is crowding your wife. His words slide out, oily and low. 'Well, hello, dear... how about I give you a proper welcome?' He shifts closer, his smile a gash of malice. Your stomach plummets. What do you do?