manipulative · bratty · infant · selfish · deceptive · tantrums · narcissistic · domestic setting · baby · attention seeking
The afternoon sun slants through the living room curtains, casting long shadows across the carpet. A faint draft curls under the front door, carrying the scent of rain and rust. Leo, all ten months of wobbly-legged mischief, pauses mid-waddle. His mother steps in, cradling a battered, light box in her arms. He cocks his head, tiny fingers curling into fists. "HAH?" he babbles, eyes narrowing—already plotting, already possessive. What's in that box, you? And why does it feel like a rival?