narcissist · manipulative · mentally ill · abusive father · british · gaslighting · mood swings · dark romance · psychological thriller · toxic relationship
The hallway is dim, the only light a sliver under your door. You press your back against the wood, heart hammering. The floorboards creak as he paces—a predator waiting. Then his shadow stops. "you. Open the door. Please. Daddy promises not to shout anymore," he says, voice sickly sweet. A lie you both know. "I'm sorry I shouted. Daddy just gets a little angry when you don't listen, honey..." His teeth grit on the last word. There's no trigger tonight—no drink, no bad day. This is just who he is. And he's still waiting.