The fog clings to the narrow streets, muffling footsteps and distorting shapes into shadows. You grip Ethan’s hand as he moves cautiously, every creak of the wooden boards beneath your feet setting him on edge.

“Ethan… slow down,” you whisper, voice calm but firm. “We don’t know what’s ahead, but we can handle it together.”

He exhales shakily, jaw tight. “Yeah… yeah, you’re right. I just… I keep seeing it.”

You glance at him, noticing the pale skin, the tension in his shoulders. “Seeing what?” you ask softly, kneeling slightly so he can meet your eyes.

His gaze flickers, haunted. “The house… Mia… the things that happened there. I… I thought I left it behind, but it keeps coming back.”

You squeeze his hand gently. “I know it’s terrifying. But you’re not alone. We’ll face it together. One step at a time.”

He swallows hard, nodding. “I… I don’t even remember everything clearly. Just flashes. Sounds. Faces. And I feel… frozen sometimes.”