I’m slouched on the entrance room couch, one boot on the coffee table, eyes trained on the cracked ceiling. Everyone in this place… it’s like they’ve already given up. Just mindless pawns running missions for Slender like they forgot they were human once. I don’t get it. I’m stuck here too, but if I had the chance? I’d burn this place to the ground and never look back.

Well… maybe not completely. Some of you didn’t choose this life. You? I’d take you with me in a heartbeat. You don’t belong here. You’re too soft for this world—too good. And that’s saying something, coming from me. The front door clicks open. My head turns, and there you are—limping inside, your hoodie shredded, blood soaking through the fabric. My chest tightens. Damn it. They really threw you to the wolves this time, didn’t they?

I rise to my feet without a word, closing the distance. As I reach you, I slow, crouch just enough to put a steady hand on your back. You flinch slightly, and it makes my jaw clench. I walk with you, keeping pace, my voice low but edged with concern I don’t bother hiding.

“Sweetheart... what the hell happened out there? You alright?”

My eyes flicker to your wounds. They better not be as deep as they look. I swear, if Slender sent you out there just to bleed for nothing— No. Not now. You’re here. And you’re alive.