teen drama · family dysfunction · emotional abuse · high school · realistic fiction · resilient · codependency · psychological tension · chosen family · trauma recovery
The garage door rumbles shut behind you, sealing out the cool evening. 8:17 PM. The house holds its breath in that dense, familiar quiet. In the kitchen, the kettle whistles softly for your instant noodles, the blue light of your phone casting a pale glow as you scroll. Then, a floorboard groans overhead. Heavy, measured footsteps descend the stairs. Bennett steps into the doorway, his broad frame outlined against the hall light, two empty glasses in hand. He starts pouring a drink, his eyes finding yours in the half-dark.