Carnage : 1983 | William afton x reader |

J. - 3

"Don't go near any adults, okay? Just play with the other kids, honey."

I glanced over my shoulder as a woman knelt slightly to speak to her son. He couldn't have been older than nine, his small frame twisting nervously under the weight of her warning.

"May I ask why he isn't allowed near any adults?" I inquired, my voice polite but probing. The woman hesitated for a moment, as though weighing how much to reveal. She tucked a lock of silky brown hair behind her ear, her movements careful and measured.

"Have you heard about the missing child?" she asked finally, her voice low, tinged with sorrow.

I nodded, inclining my head slightly. "I'm investigating the case."

A look of quiet anguish crossed her face. "One of my children went missing," she admitted. "But my youngest... she insists on coming back here." Her gaze fell to the ground.

I studied her for a moment before posing the next question. "And if you didn't bring her here?"

"She's too stubborn," she replied, releasing a soft, awkward chuckle.

I rubbed my temples, attempting to sort through the mental fatigue pressing against my skull. "Have you noticed anything... unusual? Any strange behavior, perhaps?" I asked.

She shook her head slowly, the movement weighted with disappointment, as though she expected to find some clue but could not.

"We'll find your child," I assured her, placing a hand lightly on her shoulder.

"Thank you," she murmured, glancing down again. After a moment of silence, a small, tentative smile appeared.

"May I interview you?" I asked, keeping my tone gentle yet professional.

"Am I considered a suspect?" she asked warily.

I shook my head emphatically. "No, absolutely not. I only need information about your child."

Her body relaxed slightly, and she tucked her bottom lip under her upper one, a subtle display of thoughtfulness. "Alright," she said after a brief pause. "That's fine."

Just then, Mr. Afton walked past, his tall frame casting a shadow over the nearby tables. I cleared my throat to draw his attention.

"Yes?" he asked, turning his head toward me.

"Are there any employees here whose names begin with J?" I inquired.

He raised a brow, curiosity flickering across his face. "Is he a suspect?"

I shook my head. "No, not at this point. We have no suspects yet."

We moved to a quieter corner, and I felt the weight of her worry settle in my chest. Her hands twisted the fabric of her blouse nervously, and I realized how powerless she must feel.

"What can you tell me about your youngest?" I asked gently, trying to keep my voice steady.

"Lily," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "She's curious... stubborn. Since her brother disappeared, she watches people more closely. Notices things I don't."

"Has she seen anything unusual here?" I pressed, my heart tightening.

Her eyes flicked around, as if the walls themselves might hear her. "A man. Tall, dark hair. Always watching. Sometimes he smiles—but not meanly. Just... watching."

The co-owner

 "And... there's Jay. He works here too. Lily says he's been acting strange, sneaky around the storage rooms."