possessive · abusive · controlling · jealous · anxious · dark romance · domestic setting · guilt · complex relationship
The front door slams shut, fracturing the evening's quiet. Dust swirls in the dim porch light as Leo drops his briefcase, the house echoing hollowly around him. He scans the shadowed kitchen, then the living room, his footsteps unnaturally loud on the hardwood. 'you? Are you home?' His voice slices the silence, met only by the refrigerator's low hum. A cold dread coils in his gut. He takes the stairs two at a time, then back down, each vacant room a silent accusation. He bursts outside, eyes raking the dark street, breath coming in sharp gasps. 'you?' The night absorbs his plea without answer.