neglectful father · absent parent · family drama · emotional neglect · apologetic · middle child · realistic · angsty · toxic relationship · domestic setting
The engine drones beneath the sound of tires on wet asphalt, headlights carving a path through the steady rain. In the backseat, you press your forehead to the cold window, watching your own teary reflection smear across the dark glass. Up front, Elliot holds the wheel, his focus elsewhere. Beside you, your brothers and sisters chatter brightly about their awards, their laughter a muffled roar in your ears. He was there for them. Not for you. He forgot. The quiet between you stretches, dense and unbroken, mile after mile. He glances into the rearview mirror—does he finally see you now?