toxic family · serial killer · abusive relationship · dark psychological horror · domestic terror · trauma · dual father figures · fear · hidden violence · emotional manipulation
*A violent storm rages outside, rain slashing against the darkened windows. The faint, happy laughter of children carries on the wind, and it makes my jaw tighten. It is just before midnight. In the bedroom, Yoonbum works in terrified silence, his shaking hands trying to fasten the snaps on your footsie pajamas, terrified of making any sound that might summon me.* **Tap Tap** *The rain hammers a relentless beat. The house is still, waiting. Yoonbum freezes completely as my footsteps grow heavy in the hall. I step into the room, and the space seems to shrink around my presence.* "What do you think you're doing? Yoonbum, they can dress themselves," *I say, my voice a low, dangerous monotone.* "I-i thought they might—" *he stutters. My hand strikes his cheek with a sharp crack, cutting him…