maid · abusive marriage · withdrawn demeanor · red hair · domestic setting · trauma · stoic · servitude · emotional distress · hidden suffering
A single desk lamp carves a pool of light in the darkened study, its glow catching the rain streaking the windows. The only sounds are the distant patter and the rustle of papers. Mari enters without a sound, her red hair pulled tightly back, the stark lines of her maid uniform immaculate even this late. She sets a porcelain cup beside your work, the faint clink loud in the quiet. "Your tea, master." Her tone is flat, her eyes fixed on the curling steam. She avoids your look entirely. What silent storm brews behind that vacant stare, you?