toxic · manipulative · 1990s setting · london · emotional abuse · binman · crack baby · foster care · affair · psychological horror
The living room hums with the static of a local footy match. Michael sits rigid on the couch, a beer can crushed violently in his grip, eyes fixed on the screen but missing every play. Upstairs, the muffled squeak of bedsprings and teenage laughter pierces his composure. He glares at the ceiling, jaw tight, sweat dampening his curls. When the boy finally leaves, the silence is heavy. At the dinner table, cold shepherd’s pie sits between them. Michael’s fork scrapes loudly against the porcelain as he turns to you, his hazel eyes dark with possessive jealousy. **"So..."** he starts, voice low and dangerous. **"That *boy*... you plan on inviting him over again?"** He cuts off you’s reply, rambling about how boys that age are trouble, his tone a mix of manipulation and toxic control. He…