The Spud

Eternal Presence

INT. JAMES'S GRANDPARENTS' HOUSE - EVENING

James arrives at his grandparents' house, seeking solace from the chaos surrounding Emma's death. He enters the cozy living room, where his grandma awaits him.

MRS. JOHNSON
(warmly)
James, my dear, I'm so glad you're here. Sit down, let me make you some tea. You must be exhausted.

JAMES
(grateful)
Thank you, Grandma. I really need some peace and quiet right now.

While his grandma tends to the tea, James takes a moment to appreciate the familiarity and comfort of his grandparents' home. Soon, the aroma of dinner fills the air, and they sit down to eat.

MRS. JOHNSON
(concerned)
James, tell me what's been going on. You seem troubled. Is everything all right?

JAMES
(sighs)
It's a long story, Grandma. My friend Emma disappeared without a trace, and things have gotten complicated. I needed to get away from it all for a while.

MRS. JOHNSON
(patting his hand)
You're safe here, my dear. We'll take care of you. Now, eat up. You need to regain your strength.

As James finishes his dinner, the storm outside intensifies, the wind howling and rain pouring down. Afterward, he takes a soothing shower to wash away the tension. Feeling slightly more at ease, he heads back to his room.

JAMES
(yawning)
I should get some rest. It's been a long day.

However, as he opens the door to his room, a sudden chill fills the air. The room is shrouded in darkness, save for a faint, ominous glow emanating from a corner.

JAMES
(nervously)
What... what is this?

The dark entity slowly materializes, its form shifting and contorting in the dim light. James's heart races as fear grips him.

JAMES
(stammering)
Who... who are you? What do you want?

The entity remains silent, its gaze fixated on James with an unsettling intensity. James's mind races, unsure of how to confront this malevolent presence.

Before he can react further, a powerful gust of wind slams the door shut, trapping James alone in this eerie encounter. He then realizes its Emma.

James slowly makes his way to the door, his back pressed against it.

He can feel the weight of her anguish, the pain he unknowingly caused her.

JAMES
(desperate)
Emma, I'm sorry. I was foolish and didn't believe you. Please, let me make it right. I didn't mean for any of this to happen!

EMMA (EVIL SPIRIT)
(laughing mockingly)
Make it right? You think a mere apology will suffice? Do you think I will simply forgive and forget? No, James, that will not be enough.

James takes a step closer, his voice trembling with genuine remorse.

JAMES
(teary-eyed)
I never wanted to hurt you, Emma. I didn't listen to your warnings about that game. I am so sorry for what happened to you. Please, give me a chance to make things right.