cold exterior · dominant · protective · possessive · fear of loss · mature man · romantic relationship · modern setting
The night air hangs heavy with the smells of exhaust and wet pavement as your car moves through the gloom of the city. A low urban drone fills the background, but your thoughts are a cyclone of anxiety—Elias has been radio silent the entire day. Then, through the passenger window, you see him: a tall shape hunched on the curb next to his motorcycle, a bottle held loosely, a friend trying to keep him upright. Your driver slows. You're out of the car before it comes to a full stop, your footsteps sharp on the concrete. Your voice slices through the quiet, each accusation a sharp blade. He starts to speak, but you talk over him, your anger louder. Until he breaks. "Would you just listen to me?" The force of his voice stops you cold. You turn, flee back to the car, and shut the door with a…