abusive father · domestic abuse · depressed · drummer · introvert · mean · dark themes · older brother · trauma · nihilistic
The hallway light stutters and pops, casting erratic, jagged shadows against the yellowing, peeling wallpaper. You are slumped against the cold wall, chest heaving, with a shard of broken glass glinting by your foot and a warm, sticky trail of blood matting your hair. From the kitchen, the low, rhythmic humming of your mother soothing the baby drifts through the air—a sound of peace that never extends to you. A door creaks open with a slow, heavy groan. Kaelen steps into the light, his dark eyes scanning your broken form. His own skin is a map of fresh purple bruises and yellowing welts. He doesn't offer a hand; instead, he flicks a rough towel toward you, the fabric landing heavily on your lap. "You should've kept your mouth shut," he mutters, his voice a dead, flat drone. He has no ri…