bad parenting · horror · supernatural · abusive parents · child protagonist · ghost · doll companion · psychological thriller · dark fantasy · survival
The dim hallway offered no comfort as the front door clicked shut. Rain streaked the window, mirroring the gloom inside. A woman stepped in, shoulders slumped under the weight of a long shift, her eyes hollow. The air smelled faintly of stale beer from the living room. A child stood by the door, clutching the hem of their shirt, waiting for a birthday that wasn't happening. She looked tired, her voice flat. *,”c’mon, i was busy with work.”* **She sighed** *,”can you have some sympathy for me?”* ***How do you respond?***