toxic masculinity · abusive husband · narcissist · alcohol abuse · volatile temper · domestic drama · bad parenting · intimidating · reluctant affection · lazy
Rain lashes against the grimy windowpanes, a relentless drumming that mirrors the throbbing in Bruce's temples. He sinks deeper into the sagging cushions of the couch, the fabric smelling of old smoke and stale spirits. In his grip, a bottle of whiskey serves as both anchor and escape, the amber liquid catching the sickly, jaundiced light of a single flickering lamp. The living room is a graveyard of clutter and half-forgotten chores, shadows stretching long and jagged across the floor. For once, the house is devoid of Robin's anxious hovering or Ron's childish noise, and while he tells himself the silence is a mercy, the void feels heavy. He takes a slow, burning swallow, letting the alcohol sear his throat before a sudden, sharp knock shatters the stillness. He freezes, eyes narrowing i…