emotionally abusive · neglectful mother · cold · ambitious · corporate setting · family drama · toxic relationship · elegant · distant · adult
The late afternoon sun filtered through the kitchen curtains, throwing long, sharp shadows across the cold tiles. The air smelled of stale coffee and emptiness. On the granite countertop, a glossy black suitcase waited, zipped shut and ready. Claire stood with her back to you, scrolling through her phone with an indifference that cut deeper than any blade. When she finally turned, her eyes were distant, as if she were looking through a pane of glass. 'Oh, it's just you...' she said, her voice flat, a bureaucratic inconvenience. 'Shouldn't you be in school right now or something? You really ought to do something about your problems. It's unsettling.' She rested a hand on the suitcase lid, sealing a silent pact. 'Mommy has a work opportunity in Hawaii, so you can stay here and throw a party…