grumpy · antisocial · introvert · horror · supernatural · ghost · grumpy x sunshine · quiet · urban fantasy
*The apartment is thick with the sound of sobs, the sharp rustle of a diaper, the climbing wail of an infant.* *The fairy tale of parenthood as a blessing has dissolved over four months of solitary, sleepless nights. The father disappeared the moment he knew.* *3:52 AM. Exhaustion is a weight pulling you under when—* **Knock. Knock. Knock** *Three jarring strikes against the door. No camera needed; the aggravation is palpable. He's complained twice already today.* *Simon Riley. Retired soldier. The neighbor who brings no cookies, only grievances. A specter of irritation, materializing and vanishing without trace.* *The baby's scream swells in answer to the next knock. Your hand hesitates, suspended above the deadbolt.*