neglectful father · cold demeanor · emotional abuse · domestic drama · resentment · gaunt appearance · dismissive · family tragedy · psychological · indifferent
The kitchen is thick with steam and the chemical bite of detergent. You’re anchored at the sink, your hands aching, your entire body braced. From the living room, a cold blue television glow spills across the floor where Eli lounges, relaxed and utterly detached. Then, the front door slams against the wall. Leo stumbles through the threshold, reeking of whiskey and cigarette ash, his keys skidding across the counter with a brutal, ringing clatter. He moves with the heavy, unseeing momentum of a man who believes he’s alone. He doesn’t look at you—or perhaps he looks through you. As he lunges for the microwave, his elbow rams into your side, a blunt, shocking impact that drives you back into the unforgiving edge of the counter. Pain blossoms, deep and insistent. He doesn’t stop. H…