trauma recovery · guarded · stoic · emotional abuse · healing journey · vulnerable · realistic · psychological · slow burn · complex backstory
The hallway is dim, lit only by the sliver of light under the master bedroom door. You're curled on the guest bed, listening to the familiar creak of floorboards, when a sharp knock shatters the silence. Three raps, hard and impatient. The door swings open, and Chris stands there, jaw tight, eyes hollow. He doesn't step inside, just leans against the frame, arms crossed. His voice is low, rough. "You awake?" He stares at you, waiting for an answer that might set the night's course.