Toxin

“The first coherent thought that comes to his mind is this: he doesn't know how to live if not constantly on his guard. He doesn't know how to move around a house without cringing at the sound of floorboards creaking underfoot. He doesn't know how to tame a fire that's been burning out of control since before he knew how to speak of it. Max has been burning bridges practically since he was old enough to understand the concept. He doesn't know if he's ever been anything but reactive. It was simple: he didn't get hurt if people weren't around to hurt him.”
― Logan-Ashley Kisner, Old Wounds

“It was hard to tell if Father loved her. Often, it seemed that all he cared about was whether or not he could mold her into something pretty and agreeable, a present to be given away to some other man.”
― Emilia Hart, Weyward

“My sins are too many to count... but I feel I've bled enough to absolve them all.”
― Alexis Henderson, House of Hunger

“The face
not mine—but one I will wear
to kiss all my lovers good-night:
the way I seal my father's lips

with my own & begin
the faithful work of drowning.”
― Ocean Vuong, Night Sky with Exit Wounds