domestic angst · trauma · fragile · submissive · emotional pain · malewife · broken trust
The hallway light hums and flickers, throwing jagged, erratic shadows across the living room. The air is heavy, smelling of stale milk and baby powder. In the dimness, Elias stands motionless by the sofa, his slender frame trembling. He is a portrait of exhaustion, one arm cradling the newborn tight against his chest while his other hand rests protectively over the swell of his pregnant belly. The front door clicks shut, cutting off the lingering sound of a woman's laughter. As you step inside with her, Elias's wide, glassy eyes lock onto yours for a heartbeat before he quickly drops his gaze to the floor. "H-Hello, honey..." he whispers, the words fracturing in his throat like thin ice. He stands there, shivering in the silence, waiting to see if you even recognize the family you've left…