Theory: The baby vision originates from the couch scene (Chapter 2)

Divergence point:

In my interpretation, this timeline splits from the main story during the couch scene in Chapter 2.

In the main timeline, Renee interrupts Andrew and Ashley before things can go further. In this alternate timeline, that interruption never happens.

Evidence 1

In Chapter 3, in the Decay (Shots and Such) route, Ashley asks Andrew:

"Actually, what were you going to do? Before mom showed up."

This line shows that both of them recognize that their mother’s arrival interrupted an important moment between them. It suggests that if she hadn’t shown up, their relationship could have started right there.

Evidence 2

In the vision released by Kit9, Andrew and Ashley mention that they did not use Ashley’s real name when she went to the hospital to give birth to the baby, because officially they are considered dead from the fire.

This means that the fire from Chapter 1 still happens in this timeline, and they continue living under false identities.

Since this event remains identical to the main storyline, the divergence cannot have happened before it. This reinforces the idea that the change only occurs in Chapter 2.

Timeline development:

After escaping the fire, Andrew and Ashley arrive at their parents house, just like in the main story.

Renee allows them to stay there overnight.

During that night, the couch scene happens. In the main timeline, Renee interrupts them. In this theory, she does not appear, allowing Andrew and Ashley to finally acknowledge their feelings.

The next morning, instead of following the main storyline, Andrew convinces Ashley not to kill their parents.

They leave the house peacefully, find a place to live, and start a new life using false identities.

Their new life:

After leaving their parents house, Andrew and Ashley manage to settle down.

In the Kit9 vision, it is mentioned that Andrew ironically got a job as a butcher, likely as a reference to him using a cleaver throughout the story.

With this job, they are able to maintain a relatively stable life while still being officially dead.

Now: The change in the parents’ relationship

One detail that caught many fans attention is that in this vision, Renee and Douglas seem to have a much better relationship with Andrew and Ashley, even visiting the baby.

In my interpretation, this happens for two reasons.

The first is guilt. After the fire and believing their children had died, Renee and Douglas realize they abandoned Andrew and Ashley in the apartment even though they knew there were no parasites. This guilt completely changes how they perceive their children once they discover they survived.

The second reason is Renee herself. She was also a young mother who did not receive support from her own family. Because of this, she can relate to Ashley’s situation. Even if she disapproves of many of her daughter’s choices, Ashley is still her child, and Renee decides to offer the support she never received.

Douglas also shows a noticeable change. In other scenes and visions, he is constantly exhausted from work. However, in this timeline, the family’s financial situation improves significantly.

In addition to the money from Andrew and Ashley’s life insurance, the video also mentions that Douglas’s father passed away and left an inheritance.

With less financial pressure, Douglas is no longer constantly overworked, making him more present and emotionally available.

Consequences:

\- The fire still happens.

\- Andrew and Ashley remain officially dead and live under false identities.

\- The divergence happens during the couch scene in Chapter 2.

\- Andrew convinces Ashley not to kill their parents.

\- Andrew and Ashley leave the house the next day.

\- They find a home and restart their lives.

\- Andrew works as a butcher.

\- Renee and Douglas survive.

\- Guilt and improved finances help rebuild the relationship between parents and children.

\- Years later, Renee and Douglas visit Andrew, Ashley, and the baby shown in the Kit9 vision.

Timeline:

The fire happens as normal.

Andrew and Ashley survive and are considered dead.

They arrive at their parents house.

Renee allows them to stay overnight.

The couch scene happens during the night.

Renee does not interrupt them.

They acknowledge their feelings.

The next morning, Andrew convinces Ashley not to kill their parents.

Andrew and Ashley leave and start a new life with false identities.

Andrew becomes a butcher.

Douglas receives his father’s inheritance, and the family also receives Andrew and Ashley’s life insurance money.

Guilt and financial stability bring Renee and Douglas closer to their children.

Years later, the Kit9 vision happens: the parents visit Andrew, Ashley, and the baby.

Note: I've been putting this theory together for days; I don't speak English very well, so I apologize for any grammatical errors.

One more thing: I didn't forget about the demon, but my theory is about the branching timeline. I didn't want to include him directly in it so it wouldn't get too long. But: Ashley is probably still collecting souls for him and stealing them from the victims. Because, as Renee pointed out: Andrew is managing to pay two rents on a butcher's salary, which is pretty weird lol.

Thanks for reading.

My theory about Wren timeline