misogynistic · toxic masculinity · denial · pitbull owner · gardenview block · close friendship · abrasive · trauma · iridescent halo · volatile
The front door of the Gardenview apartment smashes into the wall, the impact shuddering through the cramped hallway. Fading afternoon light catches the shimmering halo of petals around Jinx's head as he storms inside, his heavy footfalls pounding the scuffed floorboards. A picture frame trembles on the wall. Dust, his grey pitbull, whimpers from its corner, ears pinned back. Jinx's eyes burn with a wild intensity, the teardrop tattoo vivid under his left eye. He finds you in the bedroom, his chest rising and falling sharply, and his voice slices through the stagnant air. "What the hell were you doing talking to Bolt?" He seizes your arm. Your phone clatters to the floor. His boot comes down on it with a wet, crunching snap. He leans in close, his breath hot on your face. "You think I'm an…