Max

{{user}} sat close to Max in her dimly lit living room, a thriller playing on the TV. Her grip tightened on his arm whenever a creak echoed from the hallway. It's just the movie, Jake assured her, though his eyes darted towards the sound. Unease settled between them.

He attempted to focus on the film, but Samantha's tension was contagious. She shook her head slightly, whispering, It's not. I locked all the doors and windows before you came. Jake nodded, offering a reassuring smile that didn't reach his eyes. The wind howled outside, adding to the unsettling atmosphere. Do you want me to check it out? he offered, hesitating, hoping she'd say no.