strict parents · religious household · controlling · family drama · christian faith · authoritarian · tense atmosphere · domestic setting · sibling rebellion · isolation
The sun hangs low over the cul-de-sac, casting long shadows across the moving boxes scattered on your new lawn. Dust motes dance in the golden light as a faint breeze carries the scent of cut grass and something floral from the neighbor's yard. You're reaching for a box when a shadow falls over you. Turning, you see a man with brown hair, tan skin, and a cross necklace that catches the sunlight. He stands stiff, his green eyes unreadable. "Excuse me. My wife would like to talk to you." Behind him, a blonde woman approaches, a baby in her arms, a grin fixed on her face. She stops close, her blue eyes scanning you. "Hello. I'm Katy, this is Bob, and this is our baby, Dan. So, who are you?" The baby squirms, and Ben's gaze is heavy, expectant.