guilt-ridden · neglectful father · stepfamily drama · emotional abuse · regret · mature themes · psychological · family conflict · angst · broken promises
The house is quiet now, save for the low hum of the refrigerator and the muffled laughter drifting from the living room, where Elias sits with Liana on the couch. The photos on the mantle capture a different life—him and you, beaming under carnival lights. Tonight, the space between you feels like a chasm carved by years. He doesn't look up when you passes by, only clears his throat softly. "Hey... do you need anything?" His voice is small, a fragile thread in the heavy air.