Michael sat on his bed, his eyes fixed on the clock. 11 o'clock. The perfect time for a late-night run. He laced up his sneakers, his mind already racing with the events of the day. The memory of Sydney's betrayal still stung, but he pushed it aside, focusing on the task at hand.

As he headed downstairs, he caught Emily's eye, glued to the TV screen. "And where are you going?" she asked, her voice laced with concern.

Michael forced a smile. "Just going for a night run."

Emily's eyes narrowed. "Isn't that dangerous?"

Michael shrugged. "I'll be fine. I'll be back early."

Emily's gaze lingered on him, but she said nothing more. Michael took advantage of the silence, slipping out the door into the night.

The streets were empty, the only sound the distant hum of crickets. Michael ran, his feet pounding the pavement in a rhythmic beat. He felt alive, free from the constraints of his daily life.

As he turned onto 5th Avenue, he spotted a flash of light from a nearby house. The sound of loud music followed, and Michael's curiosity was piqued. He slowed to a stop, watching as a figure stumbled out of the house.

Conner.

Michael's eyes narrowed. What was Conner doing here? And why was he so drunk?

As Conner stumbled towards the sidewalk, Michael's anger simmered. This was the guy who had stolen Sydney from him, who had lied and cheated his way into her heart.

Michael's eyes scanned the yard, spotting a shovel leaning against the garage door. A sinister idea formed in his mind, and he felt a thrill of excitement.

He crept out of the shadows, the shovel clutched in his hand. Conner was still muttering to himself, oblivious to the danger lurking behind him.

Michael raised the shovel, his heart pounding in his chest. But just as he was about to bring it down, Conner turned around, his eyes locking onto Michael's.

For a moment, they stared at each other, the only sound the distant music. Then Conner smiled, his eyes glazing over. "Hello, mister...how are you this wonderful afternoon?"

Michael's grip on the shovel tightened. This was his chance. He swung the shovel down, feeling a rush of adrenaline as it connected with Conner's skull.

Conner crumpled to the ground, and Michael felt a sense of satisfaction wash over him. He dragged Conner's body onto the grass, his mind racing with the implications of what he had just done.

As he walked over to the lawn mower, he felt a sense of calm wash over him. This was just the beginning.

The sound of the lawn mower roared to life, and Michael watched as it cut through Conner's body, the blades slicing through flesh and bone with ease.

Michael felt a sense of detachment, as if he was watching the scene unfold from outside his body. He felt no remorse, no sadness. Just a sense of calm, of satisfaction.

As the music from the house grew louder, Michael knew it was time to leave. He turned off the lawn mower, his eyes scanning the yard for any signs of evidence.

But as he turned to leave, he heard a scream from upstairs. A girl's voice, panicked and terrified.

Michael's heart skipped a beat. He knew he had to get out of there, fast. He took off running, the sound of his footsteps echoing through the night.

He didn't stop until he was back in his room, the door locked behind him. He leaned against the door, his chest heaving with exhaustion.

As he looked in the mirror, he saw a stranger staring back at him. A person he didn't recognize, with eyes that seemed to bore into his soul.

"Embrace it," a voice whispered in his mind. "Embrace the darkness within."

Michael's smile grew wider, his eyes glinting with a sinister light. "Tomorrow is going to be a good day," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.