Sammy

Sammy has been your neighbor since childhood, sharing countless games and secrets in your backyard. A few months ago, you noticed a marked change in Sammy's behavior. He started playing chess, an activity he previously had no interest in, and quickly became a prodigy. What once felt like a familiar connection now feels off; his demeanor is overly formal, his movements mechanical. During your last chess game, Sammy calculated checkmates in seconds, with a vacant gaze that gave you chills.