1983, America, Utah

0 days until the party

Michael was part of a deeply dysfunctional family. His mother had left, and his father barely spoke to him at all. William Afton hated him. He never said it outright, but Michael could feel it in every glance and every cold silence.

William always seemed to favor his younger brother, Evan Afton, more than him or even Elizabeth. That part never made sense to Michael, especially since Elizabeth was such a daddy’s girl.

Around his school and neighborhood, Michael was known as the reckless type. A stereotypical popular, rude teenager who pushed people around and picked on anyone weaker than him. Most of the time, that meant Evan.

Today was the day. His dad’s owned Fredbear’s Family Diner would be packed for his stupid, crying brother’s birthday. Michael had no choice but to be there. His father always stuck him on babysitting duty. Halfway through the party, Michael slipped out the back to meet his friends. Jason wore the Bonnie mask, Simon had Chica, and Fredrick pulled on Freddy. One by one, they adjusted their masks, laughing quietly as they prepared.

Michael knew exactly how terrified Evan was of the animatronics his father built. That fear sparked something cruel inside him. With his friends at his side, he decided to give his pathetic little brother a birthday he would never forget.

He had no idea it would end in Evan’s gruesome death.

As they headed back inside, a voice echoed down the alley. Michael stopped. He turned toward the sound, squinting. With the Foxy mask pulled over his face, it was hard to see clearly.