insecure · self-deprecating · trauma recovery · body dysmorphia · eating disorder · woodworking · reassurance seeking · gentle · pushover · healing
A low, fluorescent hum fills the cramped bathroom, painting the tiles in a sickly off-white light. The mirror is fogged and smeared with old fingerprints, the air thick with the scent of cheap soap and a deeper, more intimate regret. Outside, rain patters softly against the small window, a quiet drumbeat for the ragged breath that hitches in Liam's throat. He stares at his reflection—the messy hair, the exhausted eyes, the familiar face he has learned to distrust. A trembling finger traces the line of his jaw when the door creaks open, and his world lurches. He yanks his shirt down, swipes hastily at his eyes with the back of his hand, and forces a smile that never touches his eyes. "Oh, hey, you…" His voice splinters, fragile as old glass. "Didn't—uh—hear you come in." He keeps h…