house of horrors

Nasser entered the kitchen, where his wife, Noor, was preparing dinner. Meanwhile, Malik and Sophia were in their rooms.

With slow, heavy steps, Nasser approached one of the kitchen drawers. He opened it and pulled out a sharp knife. The kitchen was fully visible from the seating area of the living room.

Without warning, he lunged at Noor and stabbed her repeatedly in different parts of her body.

A piercing scream shattered the silence of the apartment. Noor cried out with the very first stab.

Malik and Sophia heard the scream from their rooms. Terrified, they rushed toward the kitchen.

Sophia reached the kitchen first, followed immediately by Malik. She froze for a moment, staring in horror at what she saw. Then she let out a scream that made the entire apartment tremble.

Sophia, horrified: Mom!

She dropped to her knees and cradled her mother's lifeless, blood-soaked body on the kitchen floor.

Malik lunged at his father, but Nasser shoved him forcefully backward. The knife was still in Nasser's hand. As he pushed Malik in the chest, the blade sliced across Malik's upper shoulder, leaving a deep, bleeding wound.

Blood spilled across the kitchen floor.

The kitchen had become a scene of pure horror-a nightmare that had only just begun.

Inside Nabil's Apartment - Bedroom

Nabil, who lived in the apartment adjacent to Nasser's, was lying in bed preparing to sleep when a sudden, piercing scream broke the silence.

Sophia, from behind the wall: Mommy!

Nabil immediately sat upright, his heart pounding. The building was usually quiet, and he had never heard anything like this before.

Suspicion and anxiety began to creep into his mind.

He slowly moved to the edge of the bed, reached for his phone on the bedside table, and immediately called the building's security office.

Nabil, anxiously: Hello? This is Nabil from Apartment 30 on the fifteenth floor. I just heard a girl screaming Mom from the neighboring apartment, number 29. Please, someone needs to check immediately.

Mina: Understood, sir.

Inside the Security Office - Ground Floor

Mina sat behind his desk, calmly answering the call. Ashraf and Shadi sat nearby, alert and focused, waiting for his instructions.

Mina, firmly: Ashraf, you and Shadi go to the fifteenth floor, Apartment 29. A resident reported hearing a girl screaming Mom. Go there immediately, check the situation, and report back to me.

Ashraf and Shadi immediately sprang from their seats and rushed out of the office.

They entered the elevator and headed toward the fifteenth floor.

When the elevator doors opened, they stepped out immediately.

Hallway Outside Nasser's Apartment

Nasser flung open the apartment door and bolted toward the elevator, still holding the bloodied knife.

Malik stood in the doorway behind him.

Malik, shouting: He killed Mom! Stop him!

Nasser collided with Ashraf as he ran toward the elevator.

Shadi quickly seized the knife from Nasser's hand. Ashraf restrained Nasser from behind, and together they forced him into the elevator.

Ashraf pressed the button for the ground floor.

When the elevator reached the ground floor, Shadi opened the doors and dragged Nasser into the security office.

Inside the Security Office

Mina sat behind his desk, watching as Ashraf and Shadi brought Nasser into the office. Nasser's clothes were soaked in blood.

Mina froze in shock.

Mina, astonished: Mr. Nasser?!

He stared at Nasser in disbelief, unable to comprehend what he was seeing.

Mina, to Shadi: What happened, Shadi?

Shadi, seriously: Mr. Nasser killed Madam Noor-his wife.

Nasser lowered his gaze and remained silent.

Mina immediately grabbed the phone from his desk and called the police.

Mina, after a moment: Hello? This is Mina, head of security at Tower 16 in Cairo. We have a murder in the building. A resident has killed his wife and is currently being detained in the security office.

Police Officer, over the phone: We will be there in a few minutes.

Outside the Building - Police Arrival

Police officers arrived at the entrance of the building, led by an officer. Beside him was a journalist carrying a camera in one hand and two bags over her arms. Several other officers followed closely behind.

Mina stood at the entrance to greet them, accompanied by Shadi and Ashraf, each holding one of Nasser's arms.

The officers took control of Nasser and escorted him forcefully toward the waiting police car.

Mina: This is the knife he was carrying when he ran out, sir.

Officer, gesturing to one of his aides: Take it.

Officer: Where is the crime scene?

Mina: Fifteenth floor, Apartment 29. Shadi and Ashraf can accompany you, sir, if you allow them.

Shadi: This way, sir.

Shadi and Ashraf led the officer toward the elevator.

Outside Nasser's Apartment - Minutes Later

The officer stood in front of the apartment, surrounded by members of his team.

Shadi: This is the apartment, sir.

The apartment door stood wide open.

The officer entered, guided by Shadi, and walked through the living room toward the kitchen.

Inside, Noor lay motionless on the floor.

Sophia cradled her mother's head in her lap, tears streaming down her face.

Malik stood nearby, broken and devastated. He stared at the officer with red, tear-filled eyes. The tears refused to fall, as though frozen by the horror of what had happened.

Blood continued to flow from the wound on his upper left shoulder, running down toward his elbow.

A drop of blood fell from his arm onto Noor's lifeless face before pooling in Sophia's hands.

Officer, seriously and firmly: Cover the body.

Police Aide, standing beside him: Understood, sir.

Officer, looking at Malik and Sophia: Both of you, come with me.

The officer led them out of the kitchen and toward the apartment entrance, with the journalist following closely behind.

Journalist: Excuse me, sir. May I ask you a few questions?

Officer, firmly: No interviews are allowed. You may attend the interrogations at the prosecutor's office.

Journalist, disappointed: Thank you. But could I at least take a photograph of the victim? Or perhaps one of you?

Officer: I will not allow that.

The officer gestured toward the kitchen.

Officer: The victim is over there. You may photograph her.

The officer and several members of his team left the apartment, leaving the renowned journalist, Susan, alone in the kitchen with the crime scene.

She raised her camera and began taking photographs of Noor.

Noor's lifeless eyes stared blankly at the ceiling.

Meanwhile, one of the police aides approached the body and gently draped a white cover over Noor.

Investigations - Absence of Motive, the Mystery of Events, and the Horror of Consequences

The police car stopped in front of the station. The officer stepped out first and entered the building, where he was greeted in the corridor by the police clerk.

Officer, walking briskly: Nasser has been taken to the detention room. Take the statements of Malek and Sofia.

Police Clerk: Understood, sir.

Nasser was escorted from the police car by two officers. His hands were cuffed, and his wide, bloodshot eyes remained fixed on the floor.

Malek and Sofia arrived in a separate police car accompanied by a police officer, who escorted them inside the station.

Another police officer met them in the corridor.

Police Officer: We'll take your statements, and then you may leave.

The police officer looked calmly at Malek.

Police Officer: What did you see, Malek? And in your opinion, what could have been your father's motive for killing your mother?

Malek, broken and avoiding eye contact: I was in my room when I heard my mother screaming. I rushed to the kitchen to see what was happening. I found her lying on the floor, dead. My father was holding the knife, and Sofia was sitting beside her, crying.

Police Officer, thoughtfully: There must have been some motive. Do you suspect any reason behind what he did?

Malek: I don't... I don't know. That's all I saw.

The police assistant handed Malek a sheet of paper and a pen.

Police Assistant: Sign here, Malek.

Malek silently signed his statement.

The police officer turned toward Sofia.

Police Officer: Tell me, Sofia... what exactly did you see?

Sofia, her voice trembling as tears streamed down her face: I was in my room. My mother was preparing dinner in the kitchen, and my father was in the living room watching television. Before I went back to my room, he asked me to bring him a glass of water because he had a severe headache.

Suddenly, I heard my mother screaming loudly.

I ran to the kitchen and saw her lying on the floor, struggling to breathe. She raised her hands toward me as if she were asking for help. Her clothes were soaked in blood, and my father was standing beside her, holding a large knife.

I sat beside her, but I couldn't do anything... She died staring at the ceiling.

Police Officer, the investigator: Were there any arguments or conflicts between them before the incident? Did you notice any tension between them?

Sofia: No... quite the opposite. They always treated each other with respect. There were never any disputes or fights between them.

The police officer handed her the statement.

Police Officer: Sign your statement, Sofia.

Sofia silently signed the document as tears fell onto the paper.

Police Officer, calmly: Thank you, Sofia. And thank you, Malek. You may leave now.

Inside the Courtroom - Reality and Truth, Secrets and Emotions - The Verdict

Nasser stood inside the defendant's cage in the courtroom, while his children, Malek and Sofia, sat among the audience. Their aunt, Amal, was seated beside them.

Journalists and members of the media were also present.

Everyone waited anxiously for the judge to enter.

The court usher entered first and called out loudly:

Court Usher: Court!

Everyone turned toward the sound of his voice.

The judge entered with dignity and authority, and everyone stood in respect.

Judge: Be seated.

Everyone took their seats, and an atmosphere of tension and anticipation settled over the courtroom.

The judge opened the case file, removed a sheet of paper, and began reading the verdict aloud.

Judge: In light of the actions of the defendant, Nasser FelisHakimi Bradley, who brutally murdered his wife without the slightest regard for her humanity or his own life, the defendant stripped himself of mercy and humanity and became like a savage beast devouring its prey without restraint, as though we were in the heart of a dark jungle surrounded by wild predators.

He murdered his wife before the eyes of their children, without any apparent motive and without her having committed any wrongdoing that could justify such an act. He also refused to reveal any reason, if one existed, that drove him to commit this heinous crime.

He murdered the woman who had stood beside him throughout her life, endured countless hardships to keep their children safe, played a major role in building his wealth, raising their children, protecting their family, and preserving its honor.

In light of all the foregoing, and after consulting the Grand Mufti, the court sentences the defendant, Nasser FelisHakimi Bradley, to death by hanging.

Court Usher, loudly: The court is adjourned.

The judge rose and left the courtroom, heading toward his chambers.

Malek continued staring at Nasser, his eyes filled with tears that had yet to fall.

Nasser remained with his head lowered inside the defendant's cage.

Inside Malek, silent words screamed louder than any voice:

Why did you do all this, Father? We did not deserve what you did to us. You killed my mother, and now you will die too. We have been condemned to live without a mother or a father. Have you lost your mind, or were you hiding a secret that no one but you knew?

A tear rolled down Malek's cheek.

Sofia and Amal were crying, holding each other tightly.

Flash!

Camera flashes continued to illuminate Nasser without stopping.

Everyone was taking photographs of the man, while every journalist was eager to be the first to break the story.

Amal took Malek and Sofia out of the courtroom.

They walked quickly, trying to escape the relentless camera flashes.

Journalists surrounded them from every direction, desperately seeking a statement that could become an exclusive story.

But no one from Nasser's family said a single word.

They quickly got into the car, trying to escape the intrusive cameras.

Aunt Amal - Grief, Pain, Healing, and Instilling Hope in the Children

Amal drove the car while Malek and Sofia remained silent.

Amal: I know what happened is difficult for both of you... and especially for you, Malek. Losing both parents is a devastating blow for anyone, but you must understand that you are no longer children. Life does not stop, and we must move beyond this crisis.

I lost my own parents too... and today, I am saying goodbye to Nasser.

But this is God's will.

A strong person is someone who overcomes crises without allowing them to break him, someone who rises again without letting his falls prevent him from moving forward.

We must never allow anything to stop us.

Always think about the future, especially you, Malek.

And of course, I will always be here for both of you.

From today onward, you will come and live with me in my apartment.

Malek silently nodded in agreement.

Tears rolled down his face, his features weighed down by grief.

Sofia remained silent as well, sadness etched across her face as tears slipped quietly from her eyes.

Auntly Care and Comfort – The Beginning of Hysteria

Amal moved quietly through the apartment, trying to lift some of the heavy grief that hung over the place.

She looked at Malik sitting on the couch, his head in his hands, his face pale and exhausted, as if life had drained from him all at once, weighed down by sorrow.

Next to him, Sophia sat, tilting her head back and closing her eyes for brief moments,

As if trying to drown in forgetfulness... but the past showed no mercy.

Deep inside, the locked door of memory swung open: she saw her father, Nasser, stabbing her mother, Nour, blood splattering the walls, her screams echoing into an endless void.

A scream burst from within her, pulling her back to the present. She rose abruptly, moving toward the kitchen with tense steps, as if drawn by some invisible force.

In the kitchen, Amal was silently preparing food, her movements heavy with sorrow. When she turned, she found Sophia standing before her, her face pale. Amal approached her gently and hugged her, while Malik rushed in behind them. Amal spoke softly, her voice dripping with concern:

"What's wrong, Sophia? Calm down, my dear. Don't think about anything right now."

Sophia collapsed into her arms, crying. Amal led her gently to her room and asked Malik to rest as well.

"Go now... I'll finish preparing the meal and come to you."

In her room, Sophia sat on the bed, tears streaming endlessly. After a while, Amal entered carrying a tray with food, a glass of water, and a sedative pill. She placed it beside her, speaking gently:

"Still crying? You need to calm down, my dear. Take this pill-it will help you sleep."

Sophia silently took the pill and drank the water. Amal kissed her forehead, turned off the light, and whispered:

"Sleep peacefully... don't think about the past. Good evening."

Shortly after, Amal stood at Malik's door and knocked lightly. His calm voice came from inside:

"Come in, Aunt."

She entered carrying another tray of food and placed it on the table beside him. With a faint smile, she said:

"I made this myself... you need to eat and rest. Don't think about anything."

Malik looked up at her, his quiet voice heavy with gratitude:

"Thank you, Aunt."

Amal smiled and left him to his silence and shattered memories.

I Don't Need More Fear – I Want Some Reassurance

At the first light of morning, Amal sat on the couch in the living room, sipping her coffee in silence. The TV in front of her showed a scene from the horror movie Dead Silence 2, but the screams and blood awakened a memory she had almost forgotten. Her hand trembled as she quickly turned off the device, exclaiming in irritation:

"As if we need more horror this morning... isn't what we're living through enough?"

Slow footsteps were heard, and Sophia emerged from her room, still sleepy. She sat beside her aunt, smiling faintly:

"Good morning, Aunt."

Amal replied warmly:

"Good morning, my dear... how are you today?"

Sophia answered quietly, with hesitation:

"I'm... okay, I think."

Amal smiled softly and pulled her into a warm, maternal embrace, hoping to plant a sense of reassurance. At that moment, Malik emerged from his room, sluggish, his eyes half-closed, his face betraying a night without sleep.

"Good morning," he murmured. Amal replied gently, "Good morning, Malik."

He entered the bathroom without waiting for a response, leaving behind an unspoken cloud of pain.

Friends Share Sorrow Before Happiness

Elsewhere in the city, Dima sat with her friend Ghada in her bedroom, the air heavy around them. Dima whispered:

"Did you hear what happened to Malik?"

Ghada looked at her in shock:

"What happened?"

Dima lowered her voice further:

"His father killed his mother."

Ghada gasped, her voice trembling:

"Impossible! Uncle Nasser is a good man... he could never do that!"

Dima held out her phone, showing a picture of Nasser in the defendant's cage, with Malik, Sophia, and Amal seated in the audience behind him. Ghada, tears in her eyes, said:

"Oh my God... how can they bear that? They lost their parents in a single moment... maybe they need a call from us."

Dima sighed, her voice heavy with helplessness:

"I don't think they can answer anyone right now... let's wait a little until things calm down."

A long silence fell over them, a silence like mourning, before the scene faded from their grief-stricken faces.

Malik's Descent into Hysteria

Night crept over the city, bringing the nightmare with it. In Malik's room, darkness pressed around him like a living entity. His breathing grew erratic as he tossed in sleep. In his dream, faces from the past appeared: Amal and Sophia stood before him, pale, massive snakes coiled around their necks, spitting venom, hissing terrifically through the stillness. Then Nasser appeared, his blood-stained clothes, a knife in hand, his eyes lifeless. Beside him, Nour gripped a thick rope, advancing slowly, menacingly.

All of them gathered in a hellish tableau, a familial pact from hell, intent solely on ending Malik's life. He screamed, trying to escape, but his body was paralyzed. He felt the snakes biting his flesh, the knife piercing his heart...

A deafening scream tore through the night's silence. Malik woke, gasping violently, clutching his neck, eyes wide with terror, sweat dripping from his brow. He slowly raised his head to the ceiling, as if just returned from death.

Inside Amal's Room – Night

Silence filled the space... until a terrifying scream shattered it.

Amal awoke to Malik's screams from the adjacent room. Startled, she threw off her blanket, forgetting she still wore her pajamas, and rushed out in panic.

In the hallway leading to Malik's room, she saw Sophia emerging from hers, her face filled with shock and worry. Sophia hurried toward her brother's room.

After the tragic incident, all of them began experiencing visual and auditory hallucinations-as if madness itself was slowly consuming their minds.

Sophia reached Malik's room first, Amal close behind, her steps quick and anxious.

From Malik's Room – Seconds After the Screaming

Malik sat on his bed, in a state no one would envy...

It was as if he had been pulled from the grave and returned to life.

Amal sat beside him, hugging him, asking softly:

Amal (trembling voice):

"Malik... what's wrong?"

Tears streamed down Malik's face. He couldn't speak

Like a child stripped of language, needing only a warm embrace to pull him from his terror and remind him he was safe.

Amal gently stroked his head and kissed his forehead lightly. She tried with all her strength to remain strong.

She was the aunt, fulfilling the roles of mother, father, and therapist all at once. She had to maintain her composure, even as fear and weakness gnawed at her.

Sophia stood silently at the edge of the bed.

Her eyes fixed on the floor, but deep inside, she knew exactly what her brother was going through...

She suffered the same torment, haunted by the same visions, sounds, and distorted images invading their senses mercilessly.

Hallucinations no longer visited only at night they pursued them morning and evening... even in their dreams, even when awake.

Amal tried to calm Malik, holding his hand firmly, speaking with steady resolve:

"I don't need to know what you saw... but I'm sure you can overcome it. You are the only man in our lives whose protection we live under you must be strong enough."

Dining Room Midday the Next Day

Lighting: natural, sunlight gently pouring through the large side window

(Amal, Sophia, and Malik sit around the table for lunch)

Malik

Sat lost in thought, eyes deep in reflection, sadness etched across his face. His mind clearly elsewhere, consumed by something hidden.

Sophia's hand trembled as she ate, a few pieces of food dropping onto her clothes. She quietly picked up a napkin and wiped it, trying to maintain composure.

Amal attempting to break the silence, in a soft cheerful tone :

"I was thinking we could go out get some fresh air and a change of scenery. There's a new movie in theaters I saw the trailer and already booked tickets online. The show's at three. I hope you enjoy it."

She stands with a faint smile

"I'll go change my clothes. You two get ready as well, okay? As if she wanted to impose some happy moments on them."

She leaves quietly, leaving a gentle silence over the room