Let’s jump right in to chapter 3!
Louise flies back to Charleston where she grew up. Her daughter didn’t want her to leave, saying she’d never come back and she’d die too like the grandparents.
Louise dealt with mom guilt the entire flight home and couldn’t focus on what to do first when she got there.
She rented a car, hotel room, and drove to her parents’ house. The way it was described was bleak and old. She made her way inside through the garage. A flash memory appeared as she opened the door to relatives drinking and then emptiness. She heard voices speaking.
She slowly made her way inside and finds the tv on. Her mom apparently made a ton of puppets and collected dolls. The dolls are creepy. There’s two large ones that are supposed to represent her and her brother.
This is sort of a clichè? But I’m not mad about it. It’s the trope of an inanimate object staring at you, freaking you out. The part where there are two that essentially are stand-ins for her and her brother is unnerving. Like, was voodoo involved?
She turns the tv off, notices her dad’s came which he should’ve had in the car crash with him, also her mom’s purse is on the kitchen counter, and a random hammer that hit pieces off the side table. The dolls stare and judge her silently. She makes her way down the hall to her old room, deciding to pass on entering her parents’ room.
Grief plays a huge role here obviously. It also heightens my sense of danger since I know this is a horror book. I’m expecting a jumpscare any minute now. Yet, it doesn’t happen! So, I’m even more on edge.
She notices the attic string missing, looks up to see it completely boarded up, which she finds unsettling.
Now, here’s a smoking gun. Why would this be mentioned? Because it’s important! OR misdirection!
She goes to her room, realizes her parents finality and hugs one of her old stuffies. They feel like old friends, not like cold spectators.
Again, another diversion that settles the MC and reader into feeling safe. In doing so, the horror is going to hit us in the face more.
She lies on her old bed and allows herself to cry.
The chapter literally ends with, “and then the tv turned on.”
Slow tension building. Carefully pointing out what’s out of place. Making sure us, as the reader, feel her discomfort and sense of off.
This will make the bigger upcoming scares even worse! And I can’t wait!
My rating so far?
•Coca-Cola
•Air
•Check the Locks
•I Put Down My Edamame for This
•Nose Exhale
•Ouch
•Five Guys Fries
•Muenster Cheese
•Healthy
•Semi-Sweet Chocolate
•Pumpkin Pie
And that’s a wrap!
Chow!
SnS 🌹💀📜🥤
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