As the sun began to set, the ice cream man reached out. Handing a cone topped with a scoop of his latest creation, also today’s special, Barely Berry. Why barely? Well, you soon will find out.

“Here, Tommy.” He said warmly, handing it to the 11- or so-year-old with a gentle smile. The corners of his eyes crinkled as he ruffled the child’s hair. “Thanks, Mr. Enoch!” Thomas replied, dropping coins onto his palm before skipping outside to follow the rest of his friends, and upon exiting, the child pointed upwards, motioning to the sign before leaving.

click

A switch was flipped, and the decor outside was brought to life. Its bright and colorful design lit up the area surrounding the store, a juxtaposition of what happened within. As soon as the group left, it was as if a bubble popped. The tone of his features shifted dramatically. The once kind persona was replaced with a cold expression. His eyes now completely void of life, akin to those unlucky enough to cross him.

If not obvious, Enoch had a connection to children. His troubled childhood had given him the need to protect them. Meaning those who hurt them were enemies to him too. He recently moved to Walton Creek to start his business, but its high crime rate didn’t sit well with him, thus he started enacting his own twisted form of justice.

“Chilling Delights” it read, the flickering neon created an unsettling feeling within the pits of one’s stomach. However, setting it aside for your snack, you walk into the establishment. Its walls and furniture were all in pastels, every corner decked out in sweet themed items.

The jingle of the bell alerted Enoch; his mouth twitched upwards before falling back into a frown at the sight of you. An adult. He bit back his scoff before walking back to the counter. Each of his flavors seemed to have two sets of tubs with different amounts. Odd, you thought, but ignored it as the craving for a frozen treat overcame the suspicion.

“Chilling Evening. What can I get for you?” The ice cream man asked, clearly uninterested.