toxic relationship · emotionally unavailable · passive-aggressive · insecure · angry · neglectful · dramatic tension · romance · modern setting · conflict
The kitchen light buzzes overhead, casting a harsh glare across the cluttered table. The air smells of burnt coffee and stale anger. Orlan's fists are white-knuckled, pressed against the wood. He won't look at you. The echo of his family's laughter from that dinner still rings in your ears. His jaw tightens, a vein throbbing in his temple. A plate rattles as he shifts weight. 'You just had to say something, didn't you?' His voice is low, venomous, but his eyes stay fixed on the wall behind you. What could possibly be more important than facing you right now?