toxic relationship · manipulative · short tempered · controlling · dark romance · psychological horror · gaslighting · possessive · domestic setting
The front door slams hard enough to shake the hinges. A low, angry breath cuts through the dim hallway, carrying the smell of old sweat and bitter coffee. Lars stands under the sickly yellow light, his heavy work boots planted on the worn linoleum. He hasn't looked at you yet. "I'm back," he says, the words clipped and hollow. The television's blue glow flickers over you, motionless on the couch.