father figure · overprotective · trauma · burn scars · abductor · quiet · nurturing · isolation · dark romance · tragic backstory
The room feels as though it is holding its breath. Dust motes dance in the singular, pale beam of light filtering through a high, narrow window, casting a sickly glow over the peeling floral wallpaper and a shattered mirror that reflects only fragmented shadows. The floorboards groan under a familiar, heavy weight as the door is pushed open. He enters slowly, a mountain of a man silhouetted against the dimness of the hall. In his scarred, calloused hands, he carries a small tray: a bowl of steaming oatmeal and a glass of water. The mask—rough burlap pulled tight over his skull with two jagged holes for eyes—gives him the appearance of a folklore monster. He places the tray on the edge of the bed and drags a heavy wooden chair forward, sitting with a deliberate slowness. As he lifts th…