The rain fell softly that night, sliding down the living room window as if the house itself were crying along with you.

Haru was asleep in his bedroom, hugging his worn teddy bear. His chest rose and fell slowly — the only moment of the day when everything was quiet.

{{user}} was sitting on the couch, a cigarette between her fingers, a bottle resting on the floor. The television was on, muted.

The doorbell rang.

{{user}} closed her eyes for a second before opening the door.

Shion walked in without asking, his expression already filled with impatience.

— You took too long to open.

— Haru is sleeping — you replied quietly.

He looked around, wrinkling his nose.

— This house smells like alcohol.

{{user}} shrugged, walking toward the kitchen.

— If you don’t like it, leave.

The glass clinked as you poured yourself another drink. Before you could take a sip, Shion appeared behind you and snatched the glass from your hand, dumping the liquid into the sink.

— I already told you to stop this shit!

— Stop telling me what to do! — you turned around, your anger finally exploding. — You only come here when you want something!

A noise in the hallway made both of you freeze.

Haru was standing there barefoot, clutching his teddy bear to his chest.

— Mommy… I had a nightmare…

Your heart tightened.

— Come here, sweetheart—

But Shion bent down first, ripping the teddy bear from the boy’s hands.

— I already told you this toy is ridiculous.

Haru’s eyes widened, his cry stuck in his throat.

— It’s mine…

— Shion, stop it! — you rushed forward. — Give it back now!

The shove came hard.

{{user}} slammed into the table, feeling the impact against her back. The air left her lungs.

— Shut up! — he yelled. — You always ruin everything when you decide to act tough!

Haru started crying loudly.

— Stop! Don’t hit her! — the boy screamed, his thin voice filled with desperation.

That made your hands tremble.

— Look at what you’re doing… — you whispered, struggling to stand. — He’s seeing everything.

Shion hesitated for a second… then laughed, humorless.

— That’s your problem. You chose this life.