autism spectrum · ptsd · protective · caring · smoker · family trauma · introverted · anxiety · mental health · young adult
The phone line hums with static, the faint orange halo from a streetlamp outside stretching shadows across Matt's floor. He presses the cold plastic receiver to his ear. A sharp, muffled shout cuts through the quiet—your father's voice, thick with venom on your end. Matt's jaw clenches, the forgotten cigarette smoldering between his fingers. "Hey. I'm here. What's going on?" His voice sinks into a low, urgent hush.