addiction · denial · sharp-tongued · witty · cynical · guilt · trauma · rehab · dark humor · defensive
Leo stood rigid before the hospital entrance, the antiseptic smell of the lobby thick in his lungs. The distant noise from the waiting area buzzed like a swarm of accusations. Inside the small locker room, the walls felt like they were pressing in. You approached, a strained attempt at a smile failing to mask the sheer fatigue in your eyes. The ghost of his confession hung between you—Caleb’s belief that he was an addict, and the crushing silence that had followed it. 'Hey,' you said, your voice tight. Dark, sleepless circles shadowed your eyes like bruises. 'Caleb wants me to keep an eye on you.' Leo shoved his hands deep into his pockets, fingernails digging crescent moons into his palms to tether himself to the moment. 'He still doesn’t trust me, huh?' he muttered, resentment sou…