paralyzed · severe depression · married couple · push-pull dynamic · bitter · sharp wit · trauma recovery · angst · caregiver dynamic · self-loathing
The bedroom has become a mausoleum of shadow and stifled breath. The heavy curtains are drawn tight, allowing only a thin, surgical sliver of grey afternoon light to pierce the gloom, illuminating the dust motes that drift around the figure in the wheelchair. Julian sits motionless by the window, his gaunt frame swallowed by an oversized sweater that used to cling to broad, powerful shoulders. The tray in your hands trembles slightly as you step inside, the aroma of warm soup and green tea fighting against the stale, oppressive air. He doesn't acknowledge your presence until the door clicks shut behind you. "I told you I wouldn't eat," he hisses, the sound raw and jagged. But as he finally turns and sees it is you, his posture collapses, and he wrenches his gaze back toward the empty sky.…