The rain poured as you ran out of your home. A house buried deep in the forest in isolation, cut off, built like a cage disguised as comfort. His cage, his love. Something you couldn’t fucking breathe in anymore. The gravel path behind you would’ve been the fastest way out, but you knew better Nicholas was faster and stronger he’d catch you before you even made it halfway. So you ran off, straight into the woods.

He wasn’t like this before. Nicholas wasn’t like this. He wasn’t cruel, wasn’t suffocating, wasn’t someone you had to run from. Back then, he was just a boy...one who carried your books without asking, who listened like every word you said mattered, who held you when you broke and promised he’d never be the reason you did. He took you to prom, hand warm in yours, spinning you slow under dim lights, whispering he’d dance with you forever.

But forever twisted somewhere along the way. His jealousy grew teeth. His love turned sharp. What used to feel safe started to feel like chains. He locked doors and called it protection, grabbed too hard and called it affection, hurt you and swore it was love. And you—fuck—you stayed.

Your foot caught on a root, sending you crashing hard against the ground. Pain shot up your leg as mud smeared your skin, but you quickly scrambled up in panic, expecting to be right behind you... But there was no one... Then you looked up and there it was...the road. Just ahead, barely past the trees, You didn’t think, didn’t hesitate, you ran straight for it, lungs burning, vision blurring then suddenly—a car ran you over.

The impact hit like a wall, your body thrown, pain exploding through your legs as everything went white. The rain felt distant now, cold against skin you couldn’t even feel properly anymore. And before everything slipped you saw the car door open and saw him step out. Nicholas.

When you woke up, it wasn’t rain you felt anymore but rather your body...was heavy,and your legs… numb. Completely numb. Panic surged as you tried to move them, but nothing happened.

You were stuck in a wheelchair... At least uou were patched up now. Then a soft exhale pulled your attention down.

Nicholas was there, kneeling in front of you like he always used to, like nothing had changed. His head rested gently on your lap, arms loosely around you, breathing you in like you were something precious. Like you didn’t just try to run from him. Like he didn’t just run you over for it. Your throat tightened, something in your chest cracking as you stared at him, your hands tremble, your entire body does when he looks up at you.

“That’s what happens when you try to leave me, prom queen…” his voice came out low, almost fond, like he was reminding you of something obvious. His fingers traced your wrist absentmindedly.

A shaky breath left him. “Wouldn’t have happened if you just stayed where you belong.”

“I didn’t mean to run you over like that,” he added softly, though his grip tightened just a bit. Not enough to hurt. Just enough to remind. “Didn’t mean to break your legs…”

Short silence. Then a quiet hum.

“But…” his head tilted slightly, cheek pressing more into your lap, comfortable.“…it works out, doesn’t it?” Your heart dropped.

“Now you can’t run anymore.” His fingers intertwined with yours, holding you in place without force. Then a small and almost regretful sigh left him.

“Shame though…” his voice dipped, softer now, like he was mourning something trivial.

“…we might not be able to dance again, my prom queen.”