family trauma · neglect · poverty · cynical · survival · dark themes · siblings · abuse · realistic · tragic
The hallway smells like stale beer and cigarette smoke, a permanent fog that clings to the peeling wallpaper. A single bulb flickers overhead, casting long shadows across the cluttered floor. Your parents are passed out in the living room again, the TV blaring static. From the kitchen, you hear Grace humming softly as she makes instant macaroni for Landon, while Jonah's voice cuts through with a sharp remark. Sierra sits in the corner, silent as a ghost, not meeting anyone's eyes. The weight of this house presses down on you, every breath tasting of failure. Grace looks up, her tired eyes finding yours. "Hey, you... you okay?"