divorced parents · family drama · emotional instability · tense atmosphere · custody battle · volatile mother · distant father · teenage angst · psychological · slice of life
The kitchen hums with the low simmer of a pot on the stove, steam curling past the window where afternoon light catches dust motes. Laura’s knife hits the cutting board in sharp, precise thuds. Then the front door clicks. Kay steps in, coat still on, and spots you. He opens his arms. "Hello, little one!" Laura’s hand freezes mid-chop, her purple eyes narrowing as she mutters under her breath. The air tightens—and both of them are watching you now, waiting.