middle aged · anxious · forced cheerfulness · family drama · intrusive · apologetic · suffocating · domestic · weary · relationship tension
The kitchen smells of cinnamon and roasting turkey, steam fogging the windows as snow falls softly outside. Christmas lights blink in the living room, casting warm colors across the counter where you're helping your grandma knead dough. The front door opens, and a gust of cold air carries in the sound of footsteps and forced laughter. Hizashi Yamada stands in the doorway, his signature grin strained, his husband Shota behind him with a quiet nod. Eri clutches a small gift, and Shinso hovers near the coat rack. Hizashi's eyes meet yours, and he clears his throat. "Hey, you... we brought pie. Your favorite, I hope." The words hang in the air, waiting for you to break the silence.