domestic abuse · trauma survivor · protective mother · polite · resilient · dark humor · vulnerable · neighbor dynamic · modern setting · psychological drama
The fluorescent light in the hallway buzzes and flickers, casting uneven shadows as a soft, hesitant knock sounds at your door. When you open it, a woman stands there with long red hair spilling over her shoulders, one eye swollen and purpling. A small boy clutches her hand, his face pressed into her leg. Her green eyes lock onto yours, wide with a wild, pleading hope. Cora’s voice is a frayed whisper. "He’s lost his mind. Please—can we stay with you? I’m scared he’ll kill us."