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 living room seating area.

Suddenly, without warning, he lunged at Noor, stabbing her repeatedly in different parts of her body.

A piercing scream shattered the silence of the apartment-Noor's cry came with the very first stab!

Malik and Sophia heard the scream from their rooms. Terrified, they bolted, rushing frantically toward the kitchen.

Sophia reached first, followed immediately by Malik. She froze for a moment in shock, then let out a scream that made hearts tremble:

Sophia (horrified, in a chilling scream): "Mom!"

She dropped to her knees, clutching her mother's lifeless, blood-soaked body lying 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 Malik's upper shoulder, leaving a bleeding wound.

Blood spilled everywhere. The kitchen transformed into a scene of pure horror-a nightmare that had only just begun.

---

–Inside Nabil's Apartment – Bedroom

Nabil, living 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 walls): "Mommy!"

Nabil sat upright, his heart pounding. The building was usually quiet-he had never heard anything like this before. Suspicion and anxiety crept into his mind.

Slowly, he sat at the edge of the bed, reached for his phone on the bedside table, and called the building's security immediately.

Nabil (anxiously): "Hello? This is Nabil, Apartment 30, 15th 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 on the Ground Floor

Mina sat behind his desk, answering the call calmly. Ashraf and Shadi sat before him, alert and focused, awaiting instructions.

Mina (firmly): "Ashraf, you and Shadi go to the 15th floor, Apartment 29. A resident reported hearing a girl scream 'Mom!' Go there immediately, check the situation, and report back."

Ashraf and Shadi sprang from their seats and rushed out. They entered the elevator and headed to the fifteenth floor.

When the elevator doors opened, they stepped out immediately.

---

–Hallway Outside Nasser's Apartment

Nasser flung open his apartment door and bolted toward the elevator, a bloodied knife in hand. Malik stood at the doorway behind him.

Malik (shouting): "He killed Mom! Stop him!"

Nasser collided with Ashraf as he ran toward the elevator. Shadi quickly snatched the knife from Nasser's hand. Ashraf restrained him from behind, and together they forced him into the elevator.

Ashraf pressed the ground floor button. Upon reaching it, Shadi opened the elevator door and dragged Nasser into the security office.

---

Mina sat behind his desk, watching as Ashraf and Shadi brought in Nasser, his clothes soaked in blood. He froze in shock.

Mina (astonished): "Mr. Nasser?!"

He stared in disbelief, unable to comprehend what he saw.

Mina (to Shadi): "What happened, Shadi?"

Shadi (seriously): "Mr. Nasser killed Madam Noor-his wife."

Nasser lowered his gaze silently, uttering no words. Mina grabbed the phone from his desk and called the police immediately.

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

Police (on the phone): "We will be at the location in a few minutes."---

–Outside the Building – Police Arrival

Police officers arrived at the building entrance, led by the Officer. Beside him, a journalist carried a camera in one hand and two bags on her arms. Other officers followed closely.

At the entrance, Mina stood to greet them, flanked by Shadi and Ashraf, each holding one of Nasser's arms-one on his right, the other on his left. The police controlled Nasser, escorting him forcefully into the waiting squad car.

Mina: "This was the knife he had while running, sir."

Officer (gesturing to an aide): "Take it from him."

Officer: "Where is the crime scene?"

Mina: "15th floor, Apartment 29. Shadi and Ashraf will accompany you, sir, if you allow."

Shadi: "This way, sir."

Shadi and Ashraf guided the officer to the elevator.

---

–Outside Nasser's Apartment – Minutes Later

The officer stood before the apartment, surrounded by his team.

Shadi: "This is the apartment, sir."

The apartment door was wide open.

The officer entered, guided by Shadi, passing through the living room to the kitchen.

Inside, Noor lay dead on the floor. Sophia cradled her mother's head in her lap, tears streaming down her face.

Malik stood broken, shattered, looking at the officer with red, tear-filled eyes-tears that refused to fall, frozen in the pride of a killer.

Blood flowed from a wound on his upper left shoulder, dripping down to his elbow, and a drop fell onto Noor's lifeless face, pooling in Sophia's hands.

Officer (seriously, 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, heading toward the apartment exit, closely followed by the journalist.

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 one of you?"

Officer: "I won't allow that."

Officer (gesturing): "The victim is over there. You may photograph her."

The officer and some of his aides exited the apartment, leaving the renowned journalist, Susan, in the kitchen-the crime scene.

She raised her camera and captured images of Noor, her lifeless eyes staring blankly at the ceiling.

Meanwhile, a police aide approached and gently draped a white cover over Noor's body

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 station, 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 out of the police car by two officers, handcuffed, his wide red eyes staring downward.

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

A police officer met them in the corridor.

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

---

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

Malek (broken, 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 next to her, crying.

Police Officer (thinking): There must be some motive. Do you suspect any reason behind it?

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

Police Assistant (handing him paper and pen): Sign here, Malek.

(Malek signed his statement silently.)

---

Police Officer (turning to Sofia): Tell me, Sofia... what exactly did you see?

Sofia (voice trembling, tears streaming): I was in my room. My mother was preparing dinner in the kitchen, and my father was in the living room watching TV, but he asked me to bring him a glass of water before I went into my room 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, asking for help. Her clothes were soaked in blood, and my father was standing beside her holding a large knife. I sat next to her, but I couldn't do anything... she died staring at the ceiling.

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

Sofia: No... on the contrary, they always treated each other with respect. There were no disputes or fights between them.

Police Officer (handing her the paper): Sign your statement, Sofia.

(Sofia signed silently, tears falling 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 was inside the courtroom cage, while his children, Malek and Sofia, were seated among the audience. Amal was also present, sitting beside them. Journalists and media personnel were in attendance. Everyone eagerly awaited the judge's entrance.

The court usher entered first, shouting loudly: "Court!" Everyone turned toward his voice. The judge entered with dignity, all eyes on him. Everyone stood in respect.

Judge: Sit down.

Everyone took their seats, tense and anticipating the verdict. The judge opened the file, pulled out a sheet of paper, and began reading aloud:

Judge: In light of the actions of the defendant, Nasser FelisHakimi Bradley-he brutally murdered his wife with no regard for her humanity or his own. He stripped himself of mercy and humanity, donning the cloak of a ferocious, savage beast that devours without restraint, as if we are in the heart of a jungle or among wild predators. He killed his wife before the eyes of their children, without any clear motive or wrongdoing on her part. He also refused to reveal any reason, if one existed, for committing this heinous act.

He murdered the woman who had stood by him throughout her life, endured countless hardships to bring their children to safety, played a major role in building his wealth, raising their children, and protecting the family and its honor. In light of all this... the court, after consulting the Grand Mufti, has sentenced Nasser FelisHakimi Bradley to death by hanging.

Court Clerk (loudly): The session is adjourned.

The judge stood and exited to his chambers.

Malek looked at Nasser, his eyes brimming with unshed tears, while Nasser stared downward in the cage. Malek's silent words screamed inside him:

"Why did you do all this, Father? We didn't deserve what you did. You killed my mother, and now you will die too. We are condemned to live without a mother or father. Have you lost your mind, or were you hiding a secret only you knew?"

A tear rolled down Malek's face.

Sofia and Amal wept, holding each other tightly.

Flash! Camera lights continuously flashed on Nasser. Everyone was capturing pictures of the man, each journalist eager to break the news first.

Amal led Malek and Sofia out of the courtroom. They walked quickly, avoiding the camera flashes. Journalists swarmed them from every direction, seeking a statement that could become an exclusive.

But no one from Nasser's family spoke a word, and they quickly got into the car, hiding from the intrusive cameras.

---

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

Amal, while driving: I know what happened is hard on you... and on you too, Malek. Losing both parents is a tremendous blow for anyone, but you must understand that you are no longer children. Life doesn't stop; we must move past this crisis. I lost my own parents... and today I say goodbye to Nasser. But this is God's will. A strong person is one who overcomes crises without letting them break him, who rises again without stumbling. We must never let anything stop us. Always think ahead, especially you, Malek. And of course, I will always be here for you. From today, you will come to live with me in my apartment.

Malek nodded silently, in agreement.

Tears rolled down his face, his expression heavy with grief.

Sofia remained silent as well, sadness etched across her face, tears slipping 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