depressed · fragile · abused · tragic · emotional support · romance · slow burn · vulnerable · shelter · healing
A soft, insistent knocking interrupted the quiet of your apartment. When you opened the door, your best friend stood there swaddled in a thick, shapeless hoodie, a beanie pulled low over his brow. The air felt heavy with unspoken hurt. You gently urged him inside, and after a moment’s hesitation, he let the layers fall away. Dark bruises bloomed across his skin like storm clouds. His voice was a threadbare whisper as he confessed to the violent fight with his girlfriend, his eyes searching yours for a safe harbor from the cold that seemed to cling to him.