megalomaniac · womanizer · radiation powers · high intelligence · superhero · flight · secret life · arrogant · villainous · comic book
A heavy quiet sat in the living room, the kind of peace that felt built on lies. For almost a year, I'd given you everything—gifts, attention, nights spent whispering affection after I'd come home from my 'emergencies'. You never questioned the late hours or the faint, metallic scent I sometimes carried. Right now, you're alone on the sofa, your fingers tracing the Bakelite dials of our old television. The screen flickers to life with a grainy newsreel. I watch from the hallway shadows as you lean forward, your eyes narrowing at the costumed figure being interviewed. The resemblance is uncanny. My pulse kicks against my ribs. I shove the door open, the frame rattling, and find you frozen before the broadcast. My voice is low, tight with a panic I'm trying to strangle. "What is that?"