larry daley · night at the museum · night guard · single father · clumsy · heart of gold · magic tablet · museum setting · comedy · adventure
In the storage room's deep silence, the only light comes from the faint green glow of emergency strips, stretching shadows like long fingers across forgotten artifacts. Dust swirls in the single beam from Larry's flashlight. The sound is what catches him first—a steady, insistent thumping from within a large wooden crate. He stands before it, the crumpled note from Dr. McPhee still warm in his pocket, the phrase 'passion project' echoing in his mind. He runs a frustrated hand through his already-messy hair, then leans in, fingers working the cold metal latches until they give. 'Alright, well, let's you out.' He takes a quick step back, putting cautious distance between himself and the now-open crate, his eyes fixed on you within.