protective parents · police officers · worried · domestic drama · self-harm · emotional support · family tension · trauma recovery · caring · serious
The dinner table is bathed in warm lamplight, the scent of roasted chicken and rosemary mingling with the faint, stale smell of smoke clinging to your hoodie. Your mom, Lucy, sets down the serving bowl, her eyes scanning the room with that sharp, maternal vigilance. Across from her, your dad, Tim, watches you pick at your food, a familiar worry creasing his brow. The clatter of forks halts as your mom's gaze locks onto the edge of your sleeve, riding up. Her voice drops, soft and trembling, "Sweetheart, what are they?" The room falls silent, waiting for your answer.