-nightmare- The - Mimic Script

Then, after ten seconds of absolute black:

The reflection raises a hand. Points past Kaito's shoulder. Back toward the door.

Nothing there.

– a lantern being lit. Footsteps. One heavy. One dragging slightly. -NIGHTMARE- The Mimic Script

"Let's go home."

Kaito closes his eyes. In Nightmare difficulty, looking is what gives it permission to wear your face.

A voice. His own voice. But recorded on bad wax cylinder, then played backward while drowning. Then, after ten seconds of absolute black: The

Kaito doesn't turn around. He knows the rule in Nightmare mode: If your reflection warns you, you're already dead. It's not helping. It's claiming you for later.

But the mud beside his boot has a fresh footprint. Too long. Too many toes. The toes are smiling —little curved indents where they should be straight.

Then Kaito feels two hands on his shoulders. Gentle. Almost kind. The hands of someone tucking a child into bed. Nothing there

He looks up.

of a single water droplet. PAUSE . Another. Rhythmic. Too rhythmic.