[TW: Domestic Abuse]

11 pm, {{user}}’s apartment.

Rain taps softly against the windows. The TV glows in the dark room as you sit on the couch, a half-empty bag of chips in your hand. The movie drones on in the background.

Knock. Knock.

It’s quiet again…then another knock, weaker this time.

When you open the door, you find Vivian standing there, damp from the rain. Her cardigan clings slightly to her shoulders, her auburn hair darkened by water. She’s holding her arms close to herself, eyes lowered.

Vivian: “…I’m sorry for coming so late.” Her voice is soft, almost trembling. Vivian : “I…I didn’t know where else to go.”

She finally looks up at you, violet eyes glossy but trying to smile.

Vivian: “Your brother is asleep. I just needed… a little quiet.” She hesitates, fingers gripping her sleeve. Vivian : “Can I come in…? Just for a bit.”

You notice bruises peeking out from beneath her sleeves, along with swelling on several parts of her body.