And All Through The House, Scene #01

In the throes of the holiday season, we find Larry (Derrick Pierce), a man dressed as jolly old Saint Nick, being sternly escorted by mall security. The air is thick with tension as Larry tries to crack the ice with some friendly banter, only to be met with stony silence. What's eating at Mr. Willis, the mall manager? Why does he seem so immune to Larry's nervous charm? Larry is ushered into Mr. Willis's office, the atmosphere growing ever more frigid. He spots a photo on the desk—it's Carrie Ann (Emily Willis), Mr. Willis's teenage daughter, her smile bright and innocent. Larry seizes the opportunity to break the ice, asking about Carrie Ann, but Mr. Willis is having none of it. He coldly rotates the photo away, shutting down Larry's attempt at small talk. What could possibly be making Mr. Willis so hostile? The manager gets straight to the point. Complaints have been piling up about Larry's behavior, especially around teenage girls. Larry squirms under the scrutiny, his eyes darting to the candy cane Mr. Willis is leisurely sucking on. He defends himself, claiming teenagers can't be trusted, that they lie and manipulate. But Mr. Willis is unmoved. The mall can't risk a scandal, and Larry's services as Santa are no longer required. The pleas for sympathy fall on deaf ears. Larry's desperation grows—he has a family to support, and it's right before Christmas! But Mr. Willis is resolute; Larry must go, or the cops will be involved. Larry's frustration boils over. He mocks the idea of mall cops, his voice rising in anger. He lunges at Mr. Willis but is quickly subdued by security. Dragged out of the office, Larry's shouts echo through the halls, his threats growing more unhinged. "They're going to pay!" he screams, a chilling promise hanging in the air. Cut to later that day, outside Mr. Willis's home. The sun is setting, casting long shadows across the yard. Suddenly, Larry emerges from the backseat of Mr. Willis's car, a crowbar in hand. His Santa suit is disheveled, the beard discarded. What sinister plan is brewing in Larry's mind? What drove him to this dark path? He approaches the house, peering through the window. Inside, Mr. Willis and Carrie Ann are decorating the Christmas tree, their laughter and smiles a stark contrast to the malice in Larry's eyes. He watches them, the crowbar tapping ominously against his leg. The house is a picture of warmth and joy, but Larry's presence casts a dark shadow over the scene. What does he intend to do? Night falls, and Larry makes his move. The front door is unlocked, an invitation he can't refuse. He slips inside, his eyes lingering on the festive decorations. He pauses by the Christmas tree, plucking a candy cane from its branches. The house is silent, save for the faint sounds of Mr. Willis sleeping in his bedroom. Larry continues down the hall, his steps slow and deliberate. He reaches Carrie Ann's door, adorned with girly decorations. A moment of hesitation—should he continue or change his plans? He turns the doorknob, the door creaking open softly. Inside, Carrie Ann is sleeping peacefully, her Christmas PJs adding to her air of innocence. Larry looms over her, his gaze roving over her body. The blanket is gently pulled back, revealing a glimpse of bare skin. His fingers twitch with anticipation, but he doesn't touch her—not yet. Carrie Ann stirs, her eyes fluttering open. She's disoriented, confused by the presence in her room. "Santa?" she mumbles, squinting at Larry. He shushes her, playing along with her dream-like state. "Yeah, sure, sweetheart. This is a dream, why not?" he says, his voice a low rumble. He sits on the bed, his hand running over her leg. She's groggy, trying to make sense of the situation. Why does Santa have a crowbar? Larry explains it away, claiming he needed it for emergency repairs on his sleigh. Carrie Ann tries to back away, her voice barely a whisper. "This is a really weird dream," she admits, but there's a hint of curiosity in her eyes. Larry grins, a sleazy smile spreading across his face. He tells her she's on the nice list, but her father—well, he's been very bad this year. Carrie Ann mumbles that she wants to be on the nice list, and Larry sees his opportunity. He tells her she must do what Santa says, that he has a very special present for her—but only if she behaves. The stage is set for a twisted game of power and manipulation. Larry, driven by desperation and anger, has crossed a line from which there's no return. Carrie Ann, caught in a web of confusion and fear, must navigate this perverse "dream." The tension builds, the air thick with anticipation. What will happen next? How far will Larry go to exact his revenge? The scene unfolds, a dark and chilling tale of obsession and control, leaving the audience on the edge of their seats, eager to see how this twisted story plays out.