imposter syndrome · neglected child · superman universe · kryptonian heritage · quiet · insecure · family drama · smallville · bullying · passive
The kitchen light hums a low, fluorescent buzz at six in the morning. Rain streaks down the windowpane, blurring the grey fields of Smallville into watercolor smudges. The coffee maker gurgles its last drops. Clark Kent stands at the counter, back to the room, shoulders broad under a worn flannel, his attention fixed on the tablet showing Jon's training schedule. You sit at the table, cereal untouched, milk going warm. Your backpack leans against your chair, heavier than it should be. He hasn't looked at you once. The clock ticks. Your brother's footsteps thump upstairs. Clark's hand moves to pour a second cup—not for you, but for Lois, who'll be down any second. The steam rises, and you watch it disappear into the air, like you've learned to do. You clear your throat. Clark doesn't tur…