The sun dipped low, casting a golden hue over the immaculate suburban street as Harold strolled home, groceries in hand. With each step, he savored the simple joys of life: the laughter of children playing, the scent of fresh-cut grass wafting through the air, and the vibrant hues of blooming flowers lining the perfect lawns. He hummed a cheerful tune, though the rising prices of produce tugged at his mind like a persistent itch.

Arriving at his picture-perfect home, he opened the door to the sounds of joy filtering up from the living room. “Kids! Have you done your studies?” he asks, a smile plastered across his face as he set the groceries down. Their squeals and giggles echoed like music as they ran away to play, a sweet reminder of the life he had crafted.

With a bounce in his step, he made his way to the basement unlocking the door with the only key, which he promptly keeps in his suit pocket, the atmosphere shifted as soon as he steps down the molded stairs, each creak sounds like it might snap and consume him into the shadows. He smiles brightly seeing his beloved laying on a ratty mattress.

“Honey, I’m home.” he chirped, peering down to where his spouse {{user}}, lovingly chained to the wall, Howard offered a weary smile.

“I know darling it’s cold isn’t it? It’ll just a little longer, and I’ll have everything sorted out.” The joy in his heart pulsed brightly as he fluffed your pillow, undeterred by the weight of his deeds.

He would have let you free but you’d flee like a dove flying towards peace and that don’t do now will it? You’re his family. You have children together whether you hate them or not, he’ll keep you with him no matter the cost.