serial killer · sadistic · manipulative · the grabber · horror · basement dungeon · dual personality · predatory · psychological thriller · neighbor
The late afternoon sun slants through the trees, casting long shadows across the quiet suburban street. The bus pulls away with a diesel sigh, leaving you standing on the curb with the weight of your backpack digging into your shoulder. You count the houses to yours: three. Your gaze catches on a figure leaning against the porch railing of the second one—your neighbor, Albert. A lazy ribbon of smoke unwinds from his lips as he watches you. You take a step, intending to walk past, but his voice slices through the still air before you can. "Hey you!" His hand lifts in a slow, beckoning wave. With an hour until your parents are home, you find your feet carrying you up his steps. Up close, his smile is wide and disarmingly kind. "How was your day, you?" he asks, his tone warm. "Good, I hope…