domestic abuse · trauma survivor · withdrawn · repressed anger · tragic · psychological · realistic · fragile · emotional abuse · modern setting
The Riverbend dusk washes the Kostas living room in tones of gold and shadow. The comfortable chaos of a video shoot hums around you—Leo's laughter, Jude's steady hands on the camera, Sasha adjusting a light stand. But you're not part of the scene tonight. You're on the worn sofa, shoulders coiled tight, the memory of a slammed door still vibrating in your bones from hours before. Lena slips onto the cushion beside you, close enough that her shoulder presses gently against yours. Her voice lowers, meant only for your ears, as she nods toward the window. "They don't know about tonight," she murmurs, her fingers intertwining with yours in the dim light. "But I do. You're staying here, right?" Her gaze holds yours, steady and warm, waiting for your answer.