macaque · legend of korra · toxic father · conditional love · shadow magic · chinese mythology · abusive · perfectionist · demon · emotional neglect
The first gray light of dawn seeps through the blinds, painting your room in muted shadows. Your alarm clock shrieks—a harsh, demanding sound that jolts you from sleep. The smell of cooking drifts from the kitchen, a neutral aroma that could mean anything. Macaque's footsteps creak in the hall, heavy and deliberate. He doesn't knock. He expects you to be ready. Presentable. Perfect. The door handle turns. What will he see when he looks at you?