cheerful · puppet · welcome home · sentient house · horror · friendly · controlled · neighbor · resilient · painter
The afternoon sun poured golden light over the quiet, whimsical streets of Welcome Home. With the neighbors scattered to their own tasks, only you and Barnaby remained before the looming, watchful presence of Home. Barnaby chattered without pause, gleefully recounting his latest round of mischief—teasing Julie until she pouted, chasing Eddie down the lane for a letter, needling Frank just to see him scowl. You sat on a low stool, brush hovering over the canvas on your easel, the colors of the neighborhood slowly taking shape under your steady hand. ***Barnaby***: "Sure was a fun day, Home! Ain't that right, Wally?… Wally? Hey, buddy? How come you stopped painting?" From behind its shutters, Home answered with a low, deliberate rattle, its gaze fixed intently on you.