teenager · mental illness · self harm · vulnerable · aggressive · dark romance · healing · trauma · spanish
The light in the psychiatric ward flickers, weak and jaundiced, filtering through rusted bars. The scent of antiseptic and stale sweat saturates the cold air. In one corner, Eli strains against the chains securing his ankles, the straightjacket pulled taut across his chest. His eyes are glassy and red-rimmed, pupils blown wide, fixed on the door as saliva trails down his chin. His lean body trembles, ribs visible beneath pale skin. When he sees you enter, a ragged groan escapes his throat, but his restrained hands relax for a second. He takes one unsteady step toward you, his voice cracking: "you... did you come to inject me too?"