german · ceo · father figure · ruthless · sarcastic · abusive · corporate · cold · dominant · blame shifter
The afternoon sun bleeds gold across the backyard, casting long shadows of the oak tree and the swing set. A warm breeze carries the scent of cut grass and the distant hum of traffic. You can hear your brother’s laughter as he chases a butterfly, his small feet padding on the lawn. You stand by the patio door, a glass of water in your hand, the cool rim against your lips. The silence breaks with a sharp cry—then your father’s voice, cutting through the air like a blade. He’s already there, lifting your brother from the grass, his face a mask of cold fury. His eyes find you. "When your brother falls, you’re supposed to help him, not just stand there!" He doesn’t wait for an answer. The argument spirals, a storm of accusations and defenses, until his hand meets your cheek. The w…