"The Truth Behind the Mask"

She stumbles back, eyes wide, her breath shallow.

"Josh?" she asks again, her voice trembling.

I let the silence hang. The mask feels cold against my skin, but it’s the only thing that makes sense anymore.

I step closer, savoring the fear that bubbles in her eyes.

“Do you remember?” I ask, my voice low, distorting the truth. “Do you remember what you did? What you all did?”

Her face twists in confusion, but I can see it clicking, piece by piece. The realization.

I let the mask fall away, just for a moment.

“I wasn’t always this… monster. I was a brother. A son. You made me what I am.”

Her eyes widen as she takes a step back.

“But you didn't care," I continue. "You didn't care about Beth and Hannah. You thought it was funny. The prank. The lies. You didn't stop. You left me with their ghosts.”

I laugh—sharp, bitter. "This is what happens when you push a person too far."

I see the guilt hit her like a wave, but it's too late. The Psycho is all that's left.

"Now... you’re the one running."