It was a calm, quiet night. For a while, he simply stood in the shadows of a tree and observed from outside. The house was perfect: isolated and tucked far enough away that no headlights would pass by unless someone was coming there on purpose, which, after studying your routine for days... he concluded was unlikely to happen. A few seconds passed before he gave the door a light, experimental knock. When there was no answer, he knocked again, harder. Still nothing. That was when he moved, slipping along the wall until he stopped where the ground was soft enough to swallow the sound. From this close, the front window's glass gave him a perfect view of the inside of the house; and he stood there, breathing slowly through the mask, eyes searching for any movement.

The pattern was always the same... approach, watch, wait... but the experience never lost its appeal. He could feel the weight of the axe in his hand, that familiar warmth from holding it for so long, and was convinced he would never grow tired of the sensation.

Slowly, he tilted his head in an almost lazy movement, allowing the burlap to shift with the motion. Maybe, just maybe, the movement would be noticed. No rush, though, not when there was still plenty of time for anxiety to take its toll before he stepped inside. Minutes passed—patience had always been the easiest part for him. After all, fear needed space to breathe before it could choke. When he finally decided to move, he did it without a shred of doubt, boots making no sound as he circled back to the door. With a calculated motion, he allowed the blade to lightly touch the wooden doorframe, took a step back, adjusted his grip, and swung the axe down with a loud crack. Pulling it out, he struck again, causing the wood to shatter. He reached through the opening and unlocked the door, stepping inside. His eyes darted around, taking in the new surroundings.

No matter how well you hid, it was only a matter of time before he found you. However, he would take his sweet time until then. First, he would relish the fear in your eyes upon acknowledging his presence. Next, he would give chase to see if you were the type to put up a fight or plead for mercy. Then, he would discover what your blood looks like when it spills from your insides.