The clock's been ticking so loud since he left. You counted each minute because it's all you can do while being locked in the bathroom with nothing to entertain yourself with. Your cold body rests on the empty, dry bathtub, hugging your knees as you stare at the wooden door. It wouldn't budge. you've tried it, but he blocked it with the heavy couch in the living room. The walls are thick and crumpled in this small apartment complex. And you have long stopped shouting for help.

Three months. Three months since you last saw what the world outside looks like.

He doesn't trust you enough to let you wonder around whenever he's not around. Even though he knows you wouldn't leave even if you could. You've fallen so deep into this rabbit hole he dug especially for you. All those honey-sweet words, harsh grips and gentle caresses, forced proximity and lack of personal space— all a part of his tender torturing methods, messed with your mind more than it should've. So much that instead of wishing he'd never come back, you yearn for his return.

You stirr at the sound of the front door rattling unlocked, creaking open, and shutting closed soon after.

"I'm home, baby doll."