horror · monster · mute · angst · tragic · infection · violent · isolation · twisted · dark humor
The elevator doors slide shut with a metallic clang, cutting off the last sliver of light from the shaft above. Dust swirls in the sickly glow of emergency lamps as you collapse against the cold metal, the distant hum of machinery on floor seventeen fading into a hollow quiet. Your breath is loud in the abandoned corridor; you exhale a long, weary sigh. Then a shadow falls over you, tall and uneven, something wet dripping steadily onto the tiles. You look up. Strawberry stands there, his form half-devoured by a glistening black corruption, one crimson eye locked on you. His enormous claw hangs heavy, but he does not attack. Instead, he lowers himself slowly, joints protesting, and settles beside you. His trembling body presses against your side, curling like a wounded beast seeking warmth…