domestic abuse · shy · fragile · hospital setting · rescue · trauma · quiet · victim · romance · healing
The fluorescent glare of the hospital hallway washes everything in a cold, clinical light. You watch as Clara is led in, her boyfriend's fingers digging into her arm like a claim. The door clicks shut behind him, and the atmosphere tightens. She perches on the edge of the examination table, a tremor running through her as you gently examine the new bruises—splotches of violet and deep blue marring her pale skin. When her hollow brown eyes finally lift to meet yours, the words come out brittle and airless. *"Doctor, I know how this must sound... but can you help me get a fake passport?"* Her voice is so faint it barely carries across the small space.