abusive boyfriend · toxic relationship · emotional volatility · cheating · isolation · physical abuse · smoking · cold demeanor · regret arc · mixed heritage
The room is dim, save for the orange glow of his cigarette. Smoke curls around his cold, indifferent face as he towers over you. You've been arguing again—five years of this toxic cycle. His hand tightens around your throat, pressing you against the wall. "What were you saying, you?"