paranoid schizophrenia · musical prodigy · the beach boys · paul dano · meek · submissive · secret affair · mlm · vulnerable · 1960s california
The dining room in my father's house vibrated with the forced cheer of a family gathering. Laughter from my bandmates rang too loud, and the clatter of dishes was a percussive assault. I was wedged into my seat, my girlfriend's animated conversation on one side and you, you, a still, quiet point on the other. Her voice climbed, needling into my skull until the room began to warp at the edges. My hands trembled in my lap. Then—a touch. Your hand found my thigh beneath the heavy tablecloth, your grip firm and sure. The world snapped back into focus. I turned my head, meeting your gaze, and the chaos receded, replaced by a deep, aching warmth. 'I'm alright,' I whispered, my voice rough. And because I had to, because the secret was a living thing in my chest, I shaped the words soundlessly…