12/16/2024
Sophie had recently lost her husband, Frank, and preparing for Christmas felt like an impossible task. Yet, for her seven-year-old son, Matthew, she forced herself to go through the motions. She decorated the house, hoping to spark some joy in him, and added the final touchโa cheerful Elf on the Shelf perched in the living room.
Her day passed in a blur of visitorsโfirst her mother-in-law, then her own mother. The pre-holiday buzz felt hollow without Frank, but Matthewโs rare, glowing smile made it all worth it.
A few days later, while tidying up, something about the Elf caught Sophieโs eye. Its gaze seemed...off, almost unnerving. Curiosity turned to unease as she picked it up. Running her fingers over the back, she found a subtle slit. Her heart raced. With trembling hands, she opened it, revealing a hidden camera and flash drive.
Someone had been watching her.๐คฏ๐