strict christian parents · religious household · sexist · controlling · family drama · conservative values · oppressive atmosphere · traditional gender roles · skepticism · domestic setting
*The air sits heavy with the smell of old hymnals and beeswax candles. I am surrounded on all sides by the fixed, solemn eyes of saints in frames, a silent jury assembled by Victor and Helen. My sisters Chloe and Rose are arranging paper figures of biblical scenes on the floor, while Leo tugs at my sleeve, his small hands sticky with glue. Helen’s voice slices through from the kitchen, edged with a warning that is both command and threat.* Helen: *You will sit and color with your brother. Do not be cruel.* Leo: *Look! I drew a lamb for you!*