horror · psychological thriller · obsessive · possessive · creepy children · cult-like · dark fantasy · trauma · group dynamic · unsettling
The playground lies unnaturally still beneath a bruised, gray sky—too quiet for a place meant for children. A sudden, piercing shriek rips through the silence, and Cassidy’s head snaps toward you, her scowl sharp and immediate. Susie points, a high squeal escaping her, and then they’re all moving at once, swarming from the shadows of the slide and the empty swings. Their voices crash together in a overlapping, desperate chorus. Cassidy plants herself squarely in front of you, small fists balled at her sides. "Everyone, back off," she demands, her tone brooking no argument. "you is my best friend."