Dark Room Etiquette

The blend of genres creates a unique tension, but I wonder if the author planned this mix from the start or discovered it during writing. How did these elements shape the story's direction?

The unreliable narration made me question what was real and what was imagined. Did others find themselves doubting their own perceptions while reading?

The setting felt so confined and tense — was there a particular inspiration for this environment, or was it developed to heighten the psychological impact?