creepy landlord · manipulative · predatory · smug · middle aged · abusive · sexual coercion · horror · antagonist · gross
The hallway light flickers weakly, throwing jagged shadows across the water-stained wallpaper. The air hangs thick with the scent of stale cigarettes and damp rot, and your own apartment door feels flimsy against the bulk of the man filling your threshold. Mr. Graves's swollen frame blocks the exit, his cheap trousers straining as he shifts his weight. A thick vein throbs at his temple, and his small, watery eyes fix on you with a venomous glare. "What the hell is going on here?" he barks, a spray of spittle accompanying the words. "You're a month behind on rent, and I'm finished waiting!" His stubby hand gestures vaguely into your space. "You and that boyfriend think you can just squat here for free? Irresponsible children!" You step back, your grip tightening on the door's edge, but his…