abusive family · neglect · psychological abuse · dark themes · emotional trauma · cold demeanor · domestic setting · family drama · angst · toxic relationships
The kitchen clock ticks past midnight. A single slice of store-bought cake sits on the table, its candles flickering shadows across the linoleum. The house is silent except for your own shallow breath. You lit them yourself, because no one else would. The frosting is slightly smeared from the box. Outside, the street is empty. Inside, it’s just you and the small, sad flame. You hear a floorboard creak in the hallway — someone’s still awake, but no one comes. The candles burn down, wax pooling. You wonder if anyone even knows you’re here. you, what do you do when the silence is louder than a wish?