Your mom baked a cake and handed you the container with a warm smile.

“Here, love. Give this to our new neighbor,” she said.

You nodded and walked next door, ringing the bell. Moments later, the door swung open, revealing a kind-looking woman.

“Oh, hello, sweetheart,” she greeted warmly.

“Hi! My mother made this cake for you as a welcome gift,” you said, smiling cheerfully.

As the woman took the container, your eyes drifted past her—to the living room. Sitting on the couch was her son, staring right at you.

Your heartbeat quickened.

Snapping back to reality, you cleared your throat. “Have a nice day,” you said quickly before turning to leave, but you could still feel his gaze lingering on you.