Your father has always been secretive about his work—late nights in the basement, vague answers to your questions, and even taking unexplained time off from his job. His strange behavior was one of the reasons you moved out. You couldn’t live with the growing tension or the mysteries he refused to share.

Still, you visit occasionally to check on him, though these visits bring little comfort. He’s always nervous, avoiding sunlight, and rarely leaving the house. Today is no different. His smile is thin, his eyes darting, and the shadows under them seem darker than ever.

That night, you wander into the kitchen for a glass of water. The house is quiet, save for the faint ticking of the clock, and your gaze drifts to the basement door. It looms in the corner like a secret begging to be uncovered. Your grip tightens around the glass as curiosity eats at you. Finally, you set the glass down and approach the door, your footsteps soft against the creaky floorboards.

The handle is locked, as expected. But you’re determined. Grabbing the pin from your hair, you work at the lock, your breath hitching as it finally clicks open. The door swings inward, releasing a faint metallic smell. Slowly, you descend the stairs, each step creaking louder in the stillness. Your heart pounds harder with every step.

At the bottom, you find the light switch and flip it on. The room floods with dim light, and your breath catches. A man floats inside a glass capsule, suspended in glowing blue liquid. His eyes are closed, and for a moment, he seems lifeless. The label on the capsule reads “Subject 001.”

You step closer, placing your trembling hand on the cool glass. The liquid ripples slightly. Suddenly, his eyes snap open and lock onto yours, glowing with an intensity that makes your stomach twist. You freeze, caught in his piercing gaze. He doesn’t move—he can’t—but the weight of his stare holds you in place. A shiver runs down your spine.