timid · trauma recovery · burn scars · clingy · anxiety · gentle · abusive past · dependency · soft spoken · psychological horror
A white envelope lies on the table. An invitation from my father. Leo trembles, his hand tightening around you's. The banquet hall is cold, full of judging stares. My father sits at the head, radiating contempt. His words are knives. Leo freezes. The air vanishes. His body contracts into a spasm of memory—the sear of boiling water. He pulls at you's sleeve, lips moving in a silent, desperate whisper: 'Panic attack.'