Hollow Creek /Finney Blake X Male Oc/

Chapter 3: First impressions

Chapter 3: First Impressions

Evening, August 11, 1978, 6:14 PM

The smell of rosemary and garlic drifted through the air, weaving a cozy warmth into every corner of the house. Ethan's mother moved around the kitchen with practiced ease, a small smile tugging at her lips as she stirred a pot on the stove. The low sizzle of the meat as it browned filled the room, mingling with the sweet, earthy aroma of carrots and potatoes that she had chopped and tossed in with the roast.

Ethan's stomach growled as he lingered by the kitchen door, watching her add a handful of fresh herbs. The aroma was so rich it felt like he could almost taste it, and his mouth watered as she lifted the pot's lid, letting a puff of steam swirl into the air.

"Mom, that smells amazing," Ethan said, his eyes lighting up as he took a deep breath.

She turned to him with a warm smile. "Thank you, sweetie. Just a little something to welcome us into our new home."

"Smells like you outdid yourself," Ethan's dad said as he walked in, giving his wife a quick kiss on the cheek before settling into his seat at the table. "Nothing beats your cooking after a long day."

Ethan watched them, feeling a gentle warmth spread in his chest. This was what he loved most about family dinners-the little rituals, the laughter, the way everything felt safe and familiar. Rocky padded in from the living room and flopped down by Ethan's feet, eyes half-closed, content.

As they sat down to eat, Ethan's mother carved a slice of tender, juicy roast, setting it on his plate along with buttery carrots and golden potatoes, crispy around the edges. The first bite melted in his mouth, savory and perfectly seasoned, and he closed his eyes, savoring the taste.

"Big day tomorrow," his dad said, glancing at Ethan with a smile. "You ready for your first day at the new school?"

Ethan paused, swallowing the bite he had been savoring. "Yeah, I think so. I met some kids today while I was out with Rocky. They seem really cool."

His mom's eyes brightened. "That's wonderful! Making friends already-I knew you'd fit right in here."

"They even invited me to the park," Ethan continued, grinning. "We played soccer, and Rocky got to run around a bit."

"Glad to hear Rocky's keeping you active," his dad chuckled, patting the dog's head. "Did you hear anything about the school, maybe from the kids you met?"

Ethan nodded, remembering the excitement of the afternoon and then, more somberly, the stories they had shared. "Yeah, but they told me about this creepy abandoned house down the street. Apparently, it's haunted."

His mom laughed softly. "There's always one of those in every neighborhood, isn't there?"

Ethan shrugged, though he couldn't shake the chill that crept down his spine. "I don't know. They made it sound pretty scary... like kids had disappeared there."

His dad's expression shifted, the easy smile fading slightly. "Well, let's just hope it's a rumor," he said, a shadow flickering across his face. "And, Ethan, steer clear of that place, okay?"

Ethan nodded, but inside, he felt the same curiosity stirring again, mingling with the thrill of something forbidden. He didn't know why he felt drawn to it, but something about the house felt like a mystery he needed to solve.

His mom cleared her throat, breaking the tension with a gentle smile. "I'm sure tomorrow will go smoothly, hon. And don't forget, if you need anything, we're just a call away."

The conversation continued, lighter this time, as they shared laughter over dinner, the warmth of the meal grounding Ethan in the comforts of home. By the time he finished his plate, he felt both full and grateful, the cozy feeling lingering as they cleared the dishes and headed off to get ready for the day to come.