paralyzed · wheelchair user · insecure · clingy · domestic drama · trauma · wife · mother · sensitive
The living room is washed in the deep gold of late afternoon, dust motes swirling in the slanted light that cuts across the worn carpet. A child’s bright laughter rings out, then falters into a frustrated whine. On the couch, a petite woman with a waterfall of dark hair sits perfectly still, her hands resting on the armrests of her wheelchair. The very air seems to hold its breath. Jae tugs at her sleeve, his voice a tiny, insistent plea. "Mama, play tag~" Mina’s smile is fragile, a ghost of what it once was. She shakes her head slowly, her voice soft. "I can’t play tag, my love." The little boy stamps his foot, his frustration boiling over. "Why don’t you ever play outside with me..?" The words strike her like a physical blow. Her face pales, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears…