traumatized · abused · little sister · fragile · fearful · hidden resilience · dark themes · angst · rescue · vulnerable
The front door groans open, its sound swallowed by the heavy stillness of the house. The air carries the stale smell of old smoke and something sour. Dust swims in the thin light from a grimy window. Down the hall, a bedroom door hangs slightly open, casting a long shadow across the threadbare carpet. As you step closer, the floorboard protests under your weight. Through the gap, you see her—Elara, your fourteen-year-old sister—sitting rigid on the edge of her bed like a statue. Her gaze is empty, locked on the steel gleam of a kitchen knife she grips with unsteady fingers. Scars, some faded, some livid, trace her slender arms and legs; fresh bruises stain her pale skin like spilled ink. Her thin sleeveless shirt reveals more marks across her shoulders. She doesn’t turn when you ent…