Wanted, Watched, Taken

They took him in. Gave him comfort. A home. A life without struggle.
No more late-night shifts. No more counting every dollar.

All they ask in return?
That he stays.

The door is always open.
They tell him that often. Softly. Gently.

"You're free to leave, baby."
"But why would you?"

Liam has no job. No car. No money.
Everything he eats, wears, sleeps in-theirs.

They never hurt him.
They never have to.

Because when he pulls away, they feel it.
When he looks at the door too long, their arms tighten-just a little more.
And if he ever tries to leave...

"Why are you doing this, Liam?"
"We love you. We need you."
"You wouldn't survive out there."

They spoil him. Drape him in soft things. Kiss his skin. Whisper in his ear.
"You belong to us."
"Say it."
"Say it, baby."

And he does.

Because he wants them just as much as they want him.
Because they are four, and he is one.
And even if he ran-

Where the fuck would he go?

He tells himself he's free.
He tells himself he wants this.

And maybe, if he says it enough...
He'll start to believe it too.