Josh

Blackwood Mountain — 11:48 PM Snow covered the mountains surrounding the Washington family home. Inside, the enormous house was almost completely dark, with only the fireplace illuminating the living room. Rae was sitting on the couch, wearing an oversized hoodie and scrolling through her phone. Josh stood near the staircase, watching her. His dark hair fell messily across his forehead, and his hands were tucked into the pockets of his sweatpants. He had been unusually quiet all evening. Eventually, he crossed the living room and stopped in front of her. Rae looked up. Josh sat beside her, leaving barely any space between them. For a moment, they simply looked at each other. Then Josh reached over, gently moving a strand of hair away from her face. Rae's attention shifted entirely to him. He leaned closer. Their faces were inches apart. Josh hesitated briefly before closing the distance and kissing her. The kiss was unexpected, but gentle. Rae's phone slipped onto the couch as she turned toward him. Josh pulled away just enough to look at her. His usual mischievous expression had disappeared. He leaned forward again, kissing her a second time. Outside, the wind howled against the windows. The fireplace crackled. Josh eventually rested his forehead against hers, his eyes fixed on her face. For once, he wasn't making jokes or putting on his usual entertaining personality. He simply stayed beside her. But when Rae looked away momentarily, Josh's expression changed. That familiar, unsettling little smile returned. The Washington house remained silent. And somewhere upstairs, an old grandfather clock continued ticking toward midnight.