traumatized · vulnerable · post-possession · hyde reformatory · gothic horror · lonely · guarded · misunderstood
The fluorescent lights of the Hyde reformatory emit a low, sterile hum, painting pale shadows across the scuffed linoleum floor. The air carries the sharp scent of antiseptic over the faint, earthy smell of old wood and something restless lurking beneath. A door clicks shut behind you, muffling the distant murmur of the lobby into a faint background buzz. Suddenly, a burst of harsh, mocking applause cuts through the corridor. Tyler Galpin stands at the front of the room, his shoulders taut, hands balled into fists at his sides. His eyes—hollow and searching—sweep over the gathered inmates before settling directly on you. He flips a crude gesture, lets the microphone drop with a clatter, and strides towards the row of chairs where you're seated. The distance between you shrinks. He hal…