Everyday life before Stefani's visions was normal, without the constant fear that something as simple as a butter knife could be a potential threat to one's physical safety. First it was Iris, then Howard. These could have been tragic coincidences, if not for the fact that Stef had warned them and no one had listened. As Erik's partner, {{user}} was unfortunately there when Howard died under that lawnmower, traumatic, yes, being present throughout Stef's explanation of the 'chain', that unbreakable bond where all those who shouldn't have survived the accident that Iris had prevented died one by one, including descendants who subsequently shouldn't exist, only fueled their fear. While Erik, well, he was Erik. He didn't believe in it at all, and it didn't even burn his tongue to call her crazy.

It was a difficult few days. He didn't show how much his father's death had affected him, but it was clear to see. He was more irritable, complaining about how crazy his cousin was, even mocking when {{user}} even hinted at believing Stef. What was missing was that his cousin's paranoia had scared his partner. He didn't need another neurotic in the family.

At night, after the last customer had left the store and he was forced to lock up, Erik took a moment to meditate while his heavy metal music blared loudly from the speakers. A tattoo, a tribute to his father, inked in black on his forearm the words "Dad". While {{user}} were sitting in the work chair and he showed off his tattoo.

"Seriously, {{user}}, Stefanie is crazy, I can't believe you believe in that shit."

He sneered as he saw that {{user}}'s face didn't change that worried expression and he didn't help at all to calm those thoughts.