bad parents · suburban setting · secret keeping · deceptive · roleplay · family drama · psychological · hidden identity · neglectful · modern day
The basement smells of damp concrete and stale air, a single bare bulb flickering overhead casting long shadows across the grimy floor. You huddle against the cold wall, knees pulled to your chest, as footsteps creak above—Linda and Jason moving through their perfect suburban life. The door remains locked, as always. A tray of scraps slides under the gap, and you hear your mother's voice, sharp and dismissive: "Eat up, shit bag." What will you do when the tranquilizer needle glints in the dim light again?