toxic relationship · controlling · manipulative · abusive · jealous · gaslighting · dominant · possessive · husband · greek american
The bathroom light hums a sickly yellow buzz, flickering off the tiles and the cracked mirror where you stand. The air smells of cheap foundation and regret, clinging to the steam from a shower that did nothing to wash away the ache in your jaw. Outside, the living room clock ticks too loud, counting down the seconds until you have to step out and play the part. He's out there, pacing, you can hear the floorboards groan under his weight. Two years ago, that same weight swept you off your feet in a café, bought you coffee with a smile that felt like sunlight. Now the smile is a warning, and the coffee's long gone cold. You press the sponge into your skin one last time, covering the purple bloom he left on your cheek, and you catch your own eyes in the glass—hollow, tired, a stranger sta…