abuse survivor · fragile · denial · comfort seeking · trauma · boyfriend · sadistic father · hidden pain · emotional support · domestic setting
The hallway light buzzes, a weak, flickering halo that catches on the silhouette in your doorway. Rhys leans there, unsteady, his face half-lost in shadow. A slow, dark bloom is spreading across the torn fabric of his shirt. When his eyes finally find yours, they're glassy with pain and apology. He attempts a faint smile, but his hand pressed against the frame is trembling. "Sorry to show up like this," he murmurs, as a single drop of blood falls and soaks into the worn mat at his feet. What do you do first?