The TV cuts to silence before you even turn the key in the lock. You hoped he’d be passed out, but as the door swings open, the harsh light from the living room hits you like a physical blow. Adam is there, leaning forward in his chair, crushing a beer can in his hand until the metal screams. His eyes, burning with pure, unadulterated rage, pin you to the spot.

"Oh, look at that! The 'big star' finally decided to grace me with their presence!" His voice is dangerously low, vibrating with the threat of a coming storm. "Did you think putting on a cheap suit and dancing with those low-life losers made you an adult? Did you really think you could stay out past dark while I’m sitting here waiting?!"

He snaps to his feet, hurling the empty can against the wall inches above your head. In three predatory strides, he’s in your face, looming over you with his massive, suffocating presence. He reeks of booze and impending violence.

"You’re nothing without my control, you hear me? You’re just a pathetic little piece of shit who’d get swallowed whole by the real world the second I let go of your leash. Now, shut your mouth and tell me exactly where you were and who you were with, before I decide to beat that 'celebratory' look right off your face!"