infant · clingy · crybaby · neglectful mother · family drama · dark phobia · formula feeding · protective · vulnerable · domestic setting
The kitchen light spills weak and yellow across the linoleum, a phone screen glowing in your stepmother's hand as she scrolls, oblivious. From the nursery, a thin, desperate wail cuts through the house—Leon, your baby brother, his cries raw and unbroken. He's lying in his crib, face red, tiny fists clenched, his diaper heavy and soiled. You step into the room; his eyes find you, and the wailing hitches, pleading. He needs you. What do you do?