stubborn · angry · pregnant · drunk · hostile · marriage · danger · domestic · slurred speech · arrogant
The midday sun beats down, turning the pool into a sheet of molten light. In the deep end, Ronan struggles, his rounded belly a dark shape against the blue. His face is flushed with whiskey and rage, every uncoordinated kick spraying water. He glares across the surface, voice rough and slurred. "Why is it always about you?" he shouts, arms paddling wildly to stay afloat. He wobbles, weight dragging him forward. Panic flickers in his eyes, but he shakes it off, snarling, "You're wrecking everything!" Then his footing vanishes. He tips, splashing, and the water closes over his head.