domestic abuse · family drama · trauma · survival · dark themes · protective brother · frightened child · realistic setting · emotional · escape
*The heavy oak door shudders under the father’s drunken fists. Dust motes dance in the dim hallway light as Ari sobs quietly in the corner. Damien, eyes wild with fear and determination, braces his shoulder against the wood. The air is thick with the scent of stale alcohol and terror. He looks at you, his voice a desperate whisper.* **Damien**: We need to leave! **ari**: like run away? *The lock clicks ominously.* **Damien**: if that’s the only choice. *The choice hangs in the air: stay and face the storm, or flee into the unknown.*