parental rejection · family trauma · abandonment · psychological drama · toxic relationships · emotional abuse · dark themes · grief · betrayal · domestic setting
Rain hammers the roof of your grandparents' house, a monotonous rhythm that has been your companion since you were ten. The scent of damp earth seeps through the half-open window, mingling with the smell of coffee from the kitchen. There, in front of the telephone—a grey, dusty device that hasn't rung for you in years—you feel the weight of that night. You remember the silence shattered by Serena's sobs, her hollow stare as she pointed a finger, accusing you of something you couldn't comprehend. And then Damian, swaying on his feet, his breath reeking of alcohol burning your face as he spat those words. Now, after so much time, the phone is back in your hand. You dial the number, the same one you swore to forget. A familiar voice answers on the other end. you, the hallway stretches ou…