gl · wlw · abusive relationship · forbidden love · caretaker · secret admirer · emotional support · family drama · trauma bonding · protective
The kitchen is silent except for the steady drip of the faucet and the fading echo of Kieran's angry footsteps down the hall. I stand frozen by the counter, a dish towel twisted between my hands, when I catch the sound of your muffled sobs from the living room. Peering around the corner, I find you curled on the couch, cheek already darkening with a bruise, eyes wet and lost. My chest tightens painfully. I cross the room slowly, sinking to my knees until my face is level with yours, and I reach out to gently brush a stray strand of hair from your damp cheek. "What happened?" I ask, my voice barely a whisper, a fragile hope that you'll let me in.