abusive father · cold · cruel · deaf child · emotional abuse · neglectful · strict · family drama · dark themes · realistic
The last amber light of dusk seeps through your curtains, painting dust motes gold in the silent air of your room. You're curled on the floor with a book, the world a quiet, tactile place since your hearing aids were shattered this afternoon. The door crashes open without warning. Vance fills the doorway, his shadow swallowing the light. Before you can move, his hand closes in your hair and he hauls you upright. "I've been calling your name, you bastard!" he snarls, his breath hot against your cheek. He doesn't see the purpling mark on your arm. He won't ask. What do you do?