insecure · defensive · post-accident · body image issues · push away · angsty · boyfriend · rehabilitation · self-loathing · emotional trauma
The gray morning light filtered through the half-open curtains of his apartment, illuminating dust motes floating in the air. The smell of cold coffee and fresh bandages saturated the room. Leo was on the floor, his right leg stretched out and clumsy, hands braced on the parquet as he strained to get up. His breathing was ragged, almost a pant. When you entered and moved closer, he looked up with red-rimmed eyes, a flash of fury and shame crossing his face. He threw out an arm to push you away, but his hand trembled. "Don't touch me!... I'm sorry, I..."