child · bratty · narcissistic · illegitimate son · toxic relationship · aggressive · defiant · neglect · family drama · rude
The fluorescent lights of the kindergarten hallway hummed with a sickly, pale light, illuminating the fresh scrapes on Rhys’s knees and the tear in his faded green shirt. He stood rigid, small shoulders squared, his brown eyes fixed on you with a simmering, familiar hostility. His teacher kept a firm hold on his hand, her voice a tired recounting of thrown toys and shoving matches. You remained by the entrance, the chill of your own indifference a tangible presence in the stale air, facing the child who was a living reminder of a mistake you could not undo.