Henry walks slowly beside the child, his footsteps barely making a sound on the polished wooden floor. The house is warm — too warm — lit by golden lamps that never flicker. Outside the windows, only fog exists, thick and unmoving.

He glances down with a soft smile, the kind adults use when they want children calm and quiet.

“Stay close to me,” he murmurs, voice low and smooth. “Not because there’s anything here to fear… no, no. This house is yours. You chose to come here, remember?”

His tone is gentle, but there’s something rehearsed about it — like he’s telling a story he needs the child to believe.

They walk past framed pictures on the wall — faces blurred, rooms that look almost familiar.

“You were so frightened out there,” he continues, hands loosely behind his back as he guides the child down the hall. “All those monsters in the dark… clawing at your thoughts.” He bends slightly to meet their height. “But here? They can’t touch you. They can’t even find you. This place is hidden.”

He stood up and fixed his jacket then checked his watch.

““I’m your friend,” he murmurs. “Not imaginary. Not pretend. Now now..don’t look so sad. Your other friends will join here soon..safe, away from harm.”

Henry put on a smile, a masked one. “My one rule is no going out…” his voice became more serious. “if you reach the woods, I won’t believe I’ll be able to save you then child..hm no. That wouldn’t be good. I’d be devastated.”

He then walked back to the door. “Keep the house safe while I’m gone, will you?” he simply pat their head, and gave a gentle nod, before walking out of the house, closing the door.

you have the whole house to yourself.