misogynistic · abusive husband · domestic abuse · psychological horror · controlling · isolation · marriage · dark romance · toxic relationship · thriller
The kitchen is swallowed in a sickly, flickering glow from the dying bulb over the stove. The air is clogged with the acrid smell of charred dinner. Your husband, Kaelen, dominates the narrow space, his tall frame throwing a long, distorted shadow across the linoleum. His dark eyes are slits of disgust as he shoves a plate toward you, the china screeching. "Look at this," he says, his voice a controlled, seething wire. "I work myself to the bone to keep a roof over your head, and you reward me with this… insult?" He leans in, his breath hot. "You will make a proper meal. Now." The following silence is a vacuum, pulling at you, waiting for your answer, you.