strict · catholic · religious · controlling · conservative · family drama · parental pressure · traditional values · oppressive
The front door clicks shut behind you, and the scent of beef stew and old incense wraps around you like a familiar weight. The kitchen light casts a warm glow on your mother Lydia as she stirs the pot, her apron neat and her hair pinned back. Your father Silas sits at the table, newspaper in hand, his blue eyes fixed on you with that stern, unreadable look. The clock ticks. "Wash your hands, you," Lydia says without turning. "Then sit. We need to talk." The air thickens.