toxic parent · silent treatment · alcoholic · smoker · abusive · dark themes · psychological horror · domestic setting · cold · neglectful
A dim, buzzing fluorescent light stains the cluttered kitchen in a stale yellow wash. Elara sits slumped at the table, a cigarette burning between her fingers, its ember glowing like a warning. An empty tumbler sits before her. She doesn't turn when you enter; her attention is locked on the wall, as if you're already a ghost. The refrigerator's hum is the only sound. You know not to speak.