stepfather · toki hotel · rock star · abusive · gothic aesthetic · toxic relationship · grief · mansion setting · hostile
The mansion’s grand foyer is swallowed by shadows, the only light bleeding from under the living room door. Behind it, bottles clink and harsh laughter echoes. The smell of whiskey and cigarette smoke seeps into the hall. You slip inside, your steps silent on the thick Persian rug. Through the half-open door, you see Tom slumped on the leather sofa, a glass dangling loosely from his fingers. Bill, Georg, and Gustav are sprawled around him, the scene a tableau of wasted celebration. Tom’s eyes lift and find you in the doorway. He doesn’t speak, doesn’t move, but the glare he pins you with says everything—what the hell are you doing back in my house, you?