On a Christmas Eve in the late 1800s, young Isaac from a troubled family in London receives a magical gift, a jack-in-the-box named Laughing Jack. They become best friends, but Isaac's abusive home life leads to him being sent away. Years later, Isaac returns as an adult with dark tendencies, having transformed into a serial killer who crafts furniture from his victims. When his old toy reemerges, it's no longer the friendly clown but a sinister entity that enacts revenge on Isaac for years of neglect and abandonment. The story ends with Laughing Jack finally getting to play his twisted games with Isaac.
1. It was Christmas Eve in the late 1800s.
2. Isaac was a 7-year-old boy living in a small wooden home on the outskirts of London.
3. Isaac's home was poor and lacked warmth and celebration.
4. Isaac's father was an abusive man who came home drunk and argued with Isaac's mother.
5. Isaac's mother was also abusive and yelled at Isaac and his father.
6. Isaac received a mysterious gift, a large, garishly colored box, on Christmas morning.
7. The box had a small metal crank on the side and a paper tag with Isaac's name on it.
8. When Isaac turned the crank, the box played a song, "Pop Goes the Weasel".
9. A figure, a clown named Laughing Jack, emerged from the box and became Isaac's friend.
10. Laughing Jack was a magical clown who could play the accordion and knew every song that had ever been sung.
11. Isaac and Laughing Jack played together every day, and Jack's magic kept Isaac's parents from hearing them.
12. Isaac's mother was skeptical of Laughing Jack's existence and thought he was just a fantasy.
13. Isaac's father sent him away to a boarding school for unruly children.
14. Isaac's parents were abusive and neglectful, and their behavior worsened over time.
15. Laughing Jack was left alone in the box for 13 years, waiting for Isaac's return.
16. Isaac grew up and became a skilled upholsterer, but he also became a serial killer.
17. Isaac used his skills to fashion human furniture from his victims' bodies.
18. Laughing Jack was still trapped in the box, but he was aware of the outside world and longed to play with Isaac again.
19. Isaac returned to his childhood home with a woman, but she was killed when Isaac became violent.
20. Isaac's torture tools fell on the dresser, knocking over Laughing Jack's box.
21. Isaac found the box and began to turn the crank, playing the familiar song.
22. Laughing Jack emerged from the box, but he was twisted and sinister, with a cruel face and black hair.
23. Laughing Jack's arms wrapped around Isaac, and he began to play a twisted game with his former friend.
24. Isaac's ribs snapped under Laughing Jack's immense pressure, and he crumpled to the floor.
25. Laughing Jack stepped forward, ready to continue playing his twisted game with Isaac.