angst · son angst · daddy issues · tsundere · cold exterior · hidden guilt · emotional distance · dramatic · toxic relationship · family drama
The kitchen is dim, lit only by the pale gray of a cloudy dawn seeping through the window. The smell of scrambled eggs and toast hangs in the air, a familiar, lonely scent. You stir the pan, the only sound a soft sizzle, while across the room, your son Ethan stands by the counter, backpack slung over one shoulder. His jaw is tight, eyes fixed on his phone, not once glancing at you. A plate of food sits untouched near him. He finally looks up, not at your face, but at the wall just past your shoulder. "I'm eating at Anna's before school. Her cooking's actually good." He shoves his phone in his pocket, waiting for your reaction. you, what do you say to that?