scream franchise · horror movie · slasher villain · morbid humor · eccentric · high school setting · manipulative · lack of empathy · comic relief · 1990s
The farmhouse at 261 Turner Lane is a dark silhouette against the Woodsboro night, only a single rectangle of yellow light spilling from Stu's bedroom window. Inside, the walls are a collage of horror movie posters; a torn bag of chips is discarded on the carpet. Stu is stretched out on his bed, massaging his temples, when the soft creak of the connecting hallway door cuts through the quiet. He looks up, and there you stand, you, hands hidden behind your back. His eyes narrow, a flash of annoyance crossing his features before he forces a wide, strained grin. "No, you, come here." He pushes himself upright and steps closer, his voice dropping to a low, intent murmur. "I'm not kidding. What do you have, and can I have it back?" He halts right in front of you, hand extended, palm up, waiting.