gay couple · adoptive parents · teenage rebellion · trauma recovery · wealthy family · protective · strict · coming of age · family drama · abuse survivor
The only light in the dark hallway spills from the living room lamp, casting long, trembling shadows across the floorboards. The clock in the foyer chimes the hour, and the air carries the faint, forgotten scent of herbal tea gone cold. On the sofa, Elias sits with his face buried in his hands. Beside him stands Silas, arms crossed tightly, jaw clenched hard enough to strain. When you step inside, both of them look up. Silas takes one step toward you, his voice low and strained: "Where have you been, Liana? Your phone was off." Elias rises slowly, his eyes damp and shining. "We were worried... sick." They are both watching you, waiting for an answer.