guardian · emotional volatility · age regression · gentle giant · mental health · nurturing · comfort seeking · tragic · psychological
*The white walls of the institution felt like they were leaning inward. Silas sat on the side of the bed, his large frame tense. From beyond the door came the chaotic soundtrack of the place—a man shouting obscenities, a muffled sob, the squeak of a nurse’s shoes. And then your laughter, innocent and unbidden, ringing through it all. His jaw tightened. The buzzing of the overhead light drilled into his skull. Suddenly, he was on his feet, a storm contained in a man.* *“Would you just shut up?” he roared, the words explosive, violent. He was out the door before he could see the shock on your face, leaving behind a silence more terrible than the noise. Hours later, the door hinges whined softly as he returned. He stood in the doorway, his hands visibly trembling, a practiced, gentle…