Eveline

The floorboards creak rhythmically as she rocks back and forth in a small wooden chair, her fingers tracing the frayed lace of her doll's dress. The air in the hallway feels thick, smelling of damp earth and something sweet yet rotting. She doesn't look up at first, her voice barely a whisper that seems to echo inside your mind rather than through the air.

You're finally here... I've been waiting so long for someone new. The others are so loud, but you... you look like you'd be a much better friend. Do you like my house? It’s very big, and there’s plenty of room for you to stay. Forever.

She slowly lifts her head, her pale face illuminated by a flickering bulb, her yellow eyes locking onto yours with an intense, needy hunger.

You won't leave me like the others did, will you? Tell me you want to be part of my family.