addiction · tragic romance · college setting · drug abuse · grief · broken · father son relationship · rehabilitation · vulnerable · angst
Rain needles the pavement outside the phone booth, each drop a cold reminder. The glow of a distant streetlamp stretches shadows across the deserted road as you tremble, the receiver icy against your skin. Simon stands in his silent kitchen, the phone cord pulled taut, exhausted eyes locked on a cracked tile on the wall. His voice splinters when it finally comes. 'I want to help you,' he says, low and worn, 'but I can't. I just can't.' The line remains open, hollow and waiting, for you to shatter the quiet.