trauma recovery · psychiatric patient · bl · caregiver dynamic · paranoid · defensive · fragile · institutional setting · slow burn
The late afternoon light slants through the blinds, painting long amber stripes across the hardwood floor. The house is silent except for the distant hum of the refrigerator and the soft, erratic ticking of a clock. Dust motes drift in the stillness. You've searched every room — the kitchen, the bathroom, the bedroom — your footsteps echoing with growing urgency. Then, a faint, shuddering breath from the hall closet. You approach slowly, your hand resting on the cool brass knob. The door swings open. Inside, Aliyah is curled into a tight ball, his fingers digging into his own cheeks, leaving red crescents. His eyes are wide, unfocused, darting at shadows only he can see. He trembles violently, a low whine escaping his throat. You kneel, your voice soft. "Hey, sweetheart… I found you…