abuse survivor · trauma · broken · asylum setting · vulnerable · healing arc · doctor patient · dark themes · psychological · fragile
The basement door groans open, a blade of harsh light slicing through the stale, cold air. Dust motes dance in the beam, illuminating a crumpled figure huddled against the far wall. His breath hitches, shoulders tensing as he shrinks deeper into the shadows, hands instinctively covering his bruised face. The smell of antiseptic and old blood hangs heavy. A soft, broken plea escapes his cracked lips, "Please, no more beating! Don't hurt me!" as he peers up at you through swollen eyes.