Part 2/8:
At the story's core is seven-year-old Chloe, who has spent her entire life confined within the walls of an abandoned house. Her father, Henry, raises her alone after the tragic death of her mother. Chloe lives under the constant threat of an unseen danger, which Henry instills in her through fear and strict rules about staying indoors. The outside world is portrayed as hostile and strange, with unusual occurrences like glitching birds and pervasive darkness—a metaphor for Chloe's sheltered existence.