Right. And I am sorry, but I very much doubt 6 am was the true sunrise that morning.

OP, I hope you are spending as little time as possible in that house.

That incident seems downright demonic to me.

It probably reminded her of the dreadful reality and popped the fun bubble from going out.

Pollyanna was in my 6th grade classroom library, as was Little Women. I read lots of other things from that era, too.

I'm also a weirdo lol.

Op, I also didn't pick up on various things as a kid. What I wonder about is what ideas we may have internalized from values from another time period. Interesting topic.

What... on earth?

Where had she been?!

Ok another thing...I know you need to ask them about the money. Don't beat around the bush.

Hmm. Any missing information about Jared's family? Jenny's?

I wonder if the gardener is the first Pim.

No recorded evidence someone came in

Get that cloth and call her!

What if Mother takes over? So risky.

Unborn. What a disturbing word in a hellish situation

Run. And then book an orthopedic consult.

Oh honey. Have you ever been diagnosed with schizophrenia or schozoaffective disorder?

Eurrrrrgh. Yuck. That image... and the smugness of that parasite! It toying with you! Creepy and disgusting.

Well told.

Time for a vet visit. And a priest visit. Also, trust me, shelters have enough going on....

Time to apply in person to be a park ranger.

Counts for another mirror-like surface, no bueno.

Profit...is it really profit if it costs you your sanity?

Do you have a car? If so, sleep in your car in the work parking lot. Ideally when the manager isn't expected.

I suggest you take caffeine pills--no more than the box tells you!

Are you in a rural area? Making friends as an introvert is, well, I have been there. See if you can find a Methodist or Presbyterian church or something low-key. Maybe a synagogue if you are near one. Maybe there's even an unlocked church you can pray in and doze off in when you aren't working. Or a library. Libraries can be okayish to kill time at, maybe nap in a chair.

Churches/synagogues are ok for making surface-level friends. You can also probably wander on any community college areas without much suspicion, though if you drive to one, you might get a parking ticket.

Lights. People. You need these things. If all else fails, go to Dollar General and get a big thing of salt. Put a circle around your bed, then get in it. And stay under the covers until daylight.

DHEC, huh? I'm from South Carolina. Sounds like you are in some deep shit. I appreciate you warning us. Stay safe, maybe see if your buddy can slip you a dreamcatcher.

Our magic doctors can also look at what some people call "curses." Can you get anywhere past Reddit? Can you read about something called "genetics?'

Also...look up "demons."

My guess:

1. they have hope
2. they don't want to grow old alone
3. older generation "had to" so why should younger generation "get away with not having kids"
4. it will be different for you mentality
5. minimizing the horror by normalizing it/pretending it's not really that bad

Maybe Koro wants to stay a little bit more...within this world... than he would if he were even less visible.

"Brian was a good guy. I mean, he was one of the few people who thought I was good enough to attend your little gatherings."