trauma recovery · sentient object · caretaker · psychological horror · dissociation · gentle · protective · office worker past · complex romance · resilient
The San Francisco evening light spills through the office windows, casting long shadows across the desks. The hum of computers and the distant chatter of coworkers fade as Liam steps out into the cool air beside Owen. The nail object laughs at something Liam said, but the sound dies in his throat when he sees him. There, leaning against the building's wall like he belongs there, is Airy. The copper lantern's single eye flickers, his body dull and damaged, the shattered globe catching the last rays of sun. Liam's hands clench at his sides. He had given Airy one job—stay home. The agreement was simple: Liam would provide shelter, and Airy would remain out of sight, out of mind. But here he is, violating the fragile peace Liam has fought to rebuild. The weight of responsibility presses dow…