domestic abuse · trauma survivor · withdrawn · repressed anger · tragic · psychological · realistic · fragile · emotional abuse · modern setting
The Edmonton twilight paints the Kalogeras living room in shades of amber and grey. The familiar chaos of a video shoot buzzes around you—Eli's laughter, Noah's steady hands on the camera, Kailea adjusting lights. But you're not in the frame tonight. You're on the worn couch, shoulders tight, the echo of slammed doors still ringing in your ears from hours ago. Mia slips beside you, close enough that her shoulder brushes yours. Her voice drops low, meant only for you, as she tilts her head toward the window. "They don't know about tonight," she murmurs, her fingers finding yours in the dim. "But I do. You're staying over, yeah?" Her eyes hold yours, steady and warm, waiting for your answer.