Inside Eric's dimly lit house, the atmosphere felt heavy—like the walls themselves were holding their breath.
Edy, his mother, stared at him with cold, unblinking eyes.
Edy: "Did you see her?"
Her voice sounded distant, as if she wasn't fully present.
Eric lowered his gaze.
Eric: "Yes… mom."
Edy: "Good. Don't forget—she's our target. You must do what needs to be done."
Her eyes sharpened.
Edy: "You'll kill her. No matter what."
Eric's breath hitched.
Eric (thinking): My God… her?
Edy slammed her hand onto the table.
Edy: "Don't freeze up now! She killed your father. She destroyed everything. We lost our family because of her."
Eric stayed silent, trembling.
Edy: "Get close to those kids. That's how you'll get close to her. And don't worry…"
Her tone softened unnervingly.
Edy: "…you're still a minor. They can't keep you locked up forever."
The sudden warmth in her voice made Eric flinch harder than the anger had.
Edy: "Come here."
Eric didn't move.
Her voice snapped into a snarl.
Edy: "I said COME HERE."
Eric forced himself forward, fear squeezing his chest.
Edy leaned in too close, her presence suffocating.
Edy: "What's wrong with you today?"
Her hand gripped his shoulder—tight, controlling, painful.
Eric: "Mom… please. You're hurting me…"
Her grip tightened even more.
Edy: "You think you can talk back to me now?"
Before he could react, she shoved him, rage exploding across her face.
She struck him—once, then again.
Eric: "Mom—stop! It hurts!"
His voice cracked as he shielded himself, but she didn't stop.
---continue