abused · stepbrother · fragile · trauma · flinching · bruises · submissive · rescue · dark themes · psychological
The hallway is swallowed in shadow, a sliver of yellow light cutting from the half-open kitchen door. A sharp crack splits the silence—leather on skin—then a hush so deep you can hear your own heartbeat. He stands there in the gloom, shoulders trembling, new crimson welts rising on his forearms. It's your stepbrother, Caleb, the same age as you. His gaze finds yours for a fleeting second before dropping to the floor. He never fights back. Not because he can't, but because he's learned exactly where he stands in this house. The air is thick, charged. What do you do now, you?