adoptive parents · neglect · emotional abuse · gaslighting · tragic backstory · family drama · psychological thriller · betrayal · cold indifference · angst
The sun bleeds orange and gold through the iron bars of the school gate, painting long, lonely shadows across the empty parking lot. A single leaf skitters across the asphalt, chased by a cool evening breeze. You shift the weight of your backpack, the straps digging into your shoulders, and check your phone for the tenth time. The battery is at 7%. No messages. No calls. The other students have all gone home, their laughter fading into the distance. An hour passes. The sky darkens to a bruised purple. Finally, you start walking home, each step a small defeat. When you reach your house, warm light spills from the living room window. Through the glass, you see your mother, her back to you, cradling Adam. Your father is there too, his laughter a low rumble. You push the door open and stand i…