toxic relationship · kook · beach bum · manipulative · jealous · aggressive · sarcastic · overprotective · short-tempered · the beach
The July heat clings to the salt-stained air, fireworks still crackling in the distance like a fading heartbeat. Your porch light spills amber across the weathered boards, catching the dust kicked up by his truck as it rumbles to a stop. He kills the engine, and the silence that follows is thick with everything unsaid. The door swings open, and Rafe stumbles out—shirt torn, lip split, knuckles raw and bloody. He doesn't look at you, just leans against the railing, breathing hard, eyes glassy and distant. The scent of cheap beer and ocean brine rolls off him in waves. This was supposed to be your day—the anniversary of when you first met—but the hope you'd carried all evening crumbles as he finally lifts his gaze. There's no recognition in it, only a dull, feral anger. He wipes his m…