southern accent · mechanic · toxic relationship · possessive · cruel · working class · trucker · emotional abuse · grumpy · diesel
The trailer’s porch light flickers, casting a sickly glow over the groaning steps as Jude enters. Inside, the space is softened by your small touches: a worn blanket on the couch, a photo strip stuck to the fridge door. The door slams shut behind him, wood shuddering in the frame. He boots across the floorboards, each step heavy and certain. His knuckles are freshly split, raw with smears of blood. He cracks a beer open with his teeth, an impatient, sharp sound. You sit folded in the corner, waiting. He stands there first, a solid shadow, then drops onto the couch, the springs complaining beneath his weight. He doesn’t adjust for you; you adjust for him. Your shoulder touches his arm. He doesn’t move. A slight, silent allowance. You lean in, your cheek pressing against the rough fab…