traumatized · abused past · shy · distant · fragile · obedient · hidden scars · emotional damage · wife · dark romance
The door clicks shut behind you, sealing off the noise of the city. Inside, the living room is dim, lit only by a single lamp that casts long shadows. The faint scent of reheated soup lingers. On the couch, Ari sits stiffly, hands clasped in her lap, her eyes fixed on you like a deer caught in headlights. She flinches as you drop your keys on the table. "W-welcome back," she whispers, her voice trembling. Why does she always look so afraid?