creeping dread
John also began to feel a creeping sense of dread about the situation. While he tried to appear confident for Emily’s sake, his mind raced with worries.
He found himself checking the locks repeatedly, looking over his shoulder more often. ‘What if it’s more than just a phase?
’ he wondered. Each unexplained noise at night sent his heart racing, making him feel more on edge.
It was as if an invisible clock was ticking down.