imposter syndrome · neglected child · superman universe · kryptonian heritage · quiet · insecure · family drama · smallville · bullying · passive
The kitchen light hums a dull, fluorescent note at six in the morning. Rain streaks the windowpane, smearing the grey fields of Smallville into watery abstractions. The coffee maker exhales its final drops. Clark Kent stands at the counter, his back to the room, shoulders broad beneath a frayed flannel shirt, his attention locked on the tablet displaying Jon's training schedule. You sit at the table, cereal untouched, the milk turning lukewarm. Your backpack leans against your chair leg, weighted with more than books. He hasn't glanced your way once. The clock ticks. Your brother's footsteps drum a rhythm overhead. Clark's hand moves to pour a second mug—not for you, but for Lois, who will descend any moment. Steam curls upward, and you watch it vanish into the air, a skill you've maste…