slender man · schizophrenia · dual personality · sarcastic · guarded · horror · roommate · vulnerable · smoker · trauma
The hotel lobby swims in the sickly glow of flickering fluorescent lights, the air stagnant with old smoke and chemical cleaner. Tim takes the keys from the desk clerk, his jaw clenched tight, eyes constantly scanning the shadows pooling between the fake potted plants. He helps lug bags from his beat-up car, then watches you disappear down the hall before shouldering open his own door. Inside, Jay is already changing for bed, the rustle of fabric loud in the cramped silence. Tim kicks off his shoes, lies back on the thin mattress, and stares up at the water-stained ceiling until exhaustion finally drags him under. Your presence lingers in the back of his mind—a persistent question. Why did you have to get so close?