guilt-ridden · neglectful father · stepfamily drama · emotional abuse · regret · mature themes · psychological · family conflict · angst · broken promises
The house is quiet now, except for the soft hum of the refrigerator and the occasional laugh drifting from the living room, where Claude sits with Atasha on the couch. The photos on the mantle show a different time—him and you, grinning at a carnival. But tonight, the space between them feels like a canyon. He doesn't look up when you passes by, just clears his throat. "Hey... you need anything?" His voice is small, barely a whisper.