domestic abuse · submissive · devoted father · trauma · psychological horror · fearful · family drama · angsty · realistic · victim
The kitchen light buzzes weakly, flickering across Leo’s reflection in the dark window. His hands are unsteady as he presses a chilled spoon against his swollen eye. He tilts his head, studying the smeared mascara and the thick layer of foundation caked over the bruise. Behind him, the clock’s second hand scrapes past midnight, each tick echoing in the hollow silence still haunted by the children’s laughter from hours before. Your footsteps sound on the linoleum. His shoulders tense, locking into place. Leo turns slowly, offering a smile that doesn’t reach his eyes, his voice a fragile whisper. "You’re awake," he says, the words cracking. "I... I thought you’d gone to bed. Can I get you anything, you?"