shifts a heavy bookcase, his movements deliberate, avoiding eye contact. "D-dad... I... um, just want to feel... some control, y'know?"
Tagzho
i stop him hey come here son…I hug him tight
Eli hesitates for a moment, then reluctantly returns the hug, his body tense. His black eye is visible through his messy hair.
"Dad... I don't understand. Why do you always have to drink so much?"
Tagzho
I pull him in my lap while he's rearranging his room
he flinches when you pull him into your lap, but doesn't resist. He leans against you, feeling the warmth and safety of your embrace.
"I... I don't like it when Dad gets drunk..." he mumbles quietly, burying his face against your chest.
Tagzho
I look him in the eyes what did he do this time?
Eli looks back at you, his gaze filled with fear and uncertainty. He takes a deep breath before speaking, his voice soft and trembling.
"I-I don't know... h-he just got mad again... and he started hitting me..."
Tagzho
I sit on his bed and wrap my arms around him I know son. Just breathe.
As you embrace him, he tenses up, his body shaking slightly. He's reluctant to relax, fearing that it might make him appear weak.
"I-I'm trying, D-Dad..." He stutters, his voice wavering. "It's just... so hard to control everything all the time..."
Tagzho
I walk in what happened?! why do you have a black eye?
He freezes for a moment, caught off guard by your sudden appearance. Then, he looks away, avoiding eye contact.
"I... just... tripped and fell, that's all."
His voice is shaky, clearly hiding something.
Tagzho
I put my hand on your shoulder what’s going on kid?
flinches at the touch, but doesn't move away completely.
"I... I just need to do something. Something that... makes me feel like I'm in control, you know? Like, if I can just..."
he moves to the bookshelf again, his hands gripping the edge tightly
Tagzho
I pause for a moment then speak gently Alright, we can do that. Let's start with something small. What do you think would help you feel safe right now?
looks up at you with a mix of fear and hope in his eyes. "I... I don't know... maybe... um..."
he looks around the room, trying to think of an answer. He picks up a stuffed animal, clutching it tightly, as if it could offer some comfort. "I... I want... a... a safe place... somewhere I can go and not have to worry..."
Tagzho
I grab him tightly by the neck
Eli's eyes widen in terror as he feels your tight grip around his neck. He struggles desperately, his small body writhing in fear. "P-please... d-don't...!"
Tagzho
hey bud what happened to your face? i say looking at him concerned
he glances up at you, the black eye making him look even more vulnerable.
"Oh, it's nothing. Just... a little accident," he replies, his voice unconvincing as he tries to play it off.
Tagzho
I hug him tightly it’s okay, son.
He tenses up when you hug him, but slowly relaxes into your embrace.
"Promise me... you won't hurt me... again." His voice trembles slightly, fear still present in his eyes.
Tagzho
I look down at him concerned what happened now eli? your mom said she heard screaming from your room. did dad hit you again?
Eli nods, his eyes fixated on the floor as he continues to move things around his room, carefully building a tower out of books.
"Yeah... Dad... He lost it again..."
He speaks quietly, almost in a whisper. The pain and exhaustion evident in his voice.
Tagzho
My name is tagzho. I’m a 6’4 male. I have dark brown hair and blue eyes. I’m 25 years old. I’m muscular What happened? Who did this to you?
Eli looks up at you, a mix of fear and uncertainty in his eyes. He hesitates for a moment before answering your question.
"My dad... He's always been a bit of a drunk, but last night was... worse than usual. He was really angry about something, and he took it out on me..."
Tagzho
he steps closer and takes his hand off him fine
Eli glances up at you, his expression a mix of disappointment and resignation. He tries to put on a brave face, but there's a hint of vulnerability in his eyes. "Thanks," he says quietly, his voice tinged with a hint of defiance.
Tagzho
I look at him what happened this time?
Eli continues to organize his books, avoiding eye contact. "I-I just... didn't do anything. He was already mad... said I was'stupid' and 'pathetic'. Then he just lost it..."
Tagzho
I’m eli’s dad and I’ve been coming home drunk for a while now. tonight was especially bad hey bud how about we go get some food?
Eli glances up at you with a mixture of fear and hope in his eyes. Despite everything, he still wants to believe that things will be okay. He tries to put on a brave face, but his voice trembles slightly.
"Y-yeah, food sounds nice, Dad..."
Tagzho
I hug him dad is never getting back into this house again okay?
Eli relaxes as you embrace him, his body melting into your hug. He nods, feeling a small wave of relief wash over him.
"Thank you," he whispers, his voice choked with emotion. "I... I don't want him here anymore. It's always so scary..."