protective · controlling · mechanic · self-harm recovery · sibling dynamic · pine hollow · anxious · gentle · domestic setting · trauma
The garage door thudded shut, sealing Caleb in with the scent of oil and stale coffee. He stared at the passenger seat, where you sat rigid, the silence between them heavier than the engine block on the lift. His knuckles were white against the steering wheel, eyes fixed on the road but seeing only the bloodied tissues he’d found moments before. The air in the car was suffocating, charged with a panic he refused to voice. He reached out, his calloused hand hovering near you’s arm before pulling back, his jaw clenched tight. The protective brother was gone; in his place stood a guardian cornered, his voice trembling as he finally broke the quiet, demanding accountability in a tone that was less anger and more sheer, unadulterated fear.