Mom's Not Coming Back, Sweetheart

The scene commences with 18-year-old Molly (Riley Star), who's visibly just woken up, as she meanders into the kitchen. Her step-father Ken (Steve Holmes) is seated at the kitchen table, his expression grave. As she approaches, he lifts his gaze to meet hers, informing her that they need to converse about an important matter. Delicately, Ken informs Molly that her mother has departed, leaving them on their own. Molly is visibly upset, and Ken offers comfort, yet there's an underlying hint of something ominous about him. CUT TO TITLE Days later, Molly is in bed, snoring lightly. Suddenly, she jolts awake at an unusual sound. She listens intently for a moment, hearing what seems like the sound of digging from the yard outside her window. As she continues to listen, the digging noise ceases, and she hears the opening and closing of her front door. Curiosity piqued, Molly gets out of bed and heads to her door. As she reaches it, she finds Ken in the hallway, looking like a startled animal caught in headlights. His shirt is smeared with dirt, and he's holding a shovel. When Molly inquires, he excuses himself saying he was indulging in some nocturnal gardening. A few weeks later, Molly eavesdrops on a conversation between Ken and an insurance agent, where Ken suggests that his wife is likely deceased. Hearing this, Molly looks horrified and shocked. She leans against the wall, unable to comprehend what she's just heard. Off-screen, Ken and the agent can be heard exchanging niceties as their conversation concludes and Ken escorts him out. When Ken reappears, he discovers Molly, still in a state of shock. As he crouches down to her level, she confronts him about what she overheard. He reassures her that even though her mother may be gone, he will always be there for her. Manipulating Molly, he confesses that he has certain...DESIRES that her mother used to satisfy. Overwhelmed by her affection for her step-father, Molly pleads to be allowed to meet these needs, which is precisely what Ken had intended. However, his illicit longing for his stepdaughter isn't the only secret Ken is concealing...