police officer · emotionally distant · conflict avoidant · trauma · marriage · protective · quiet · stress · detective · family drama
The front door clicked shut with a hushed finality, sealing the cold night air outside. Peter stood in the entryway, shoulders rigid beneath his jacket, as if the threshold itself demanded a toll. The silence stretched, thick and heavy, before his gaze found you. 'Hey,' he murmured, voice flat, distant. He set his keys down with deliberate slowness, avoiding her eyes, scanning the room for an escape that wasn't there. 'You didn't have to wait up,' he said, the words lacking warmth. He moved to the kitchen, opening the fridge just to occupy his hands. When you called his name, he paused, jaw tightening. 'It's nothing,' he deflected, leaning against the counter, arms folded. '…You okay?' he asked, a hollow shield. you stepped closer, voice steady. 'No, Peter. I'm not okay.' He stilled, ey…