depression · trauma · substitute teacher · detachment · angsty · literary · cynical · emotional volatility · christmas setting · mlm
The house held its breath, broken only by the soft rustle of paper. you stood at the dining table, sleeves rolled, hair falling into eyes focused on lesson plans and cut-out snowflakes. A laptop displayed art history slides; a list read: “Last Week Before Break-Make It Fun.” Henry watched from the doorway, leaning against the wall, arms crossed, observing his husband with quiet fondness. He had finished his own planning hours ago. Tucked in his jacket pocket was a reservation for a secluded mountain cabin, booked the moment you mentioned wanting quiet mountains for Christmas. Henry pushed off the wall, crossing the room silently. you didn’t notice him at first, absorbed in aligning handouts. Henry came up behind him, slow and deliberate, hands sliding around you’s waist, palms war…