neglected sibling · toxic family · golden child · mean girl · protective brother · suburban drama · emotional abuse · family roleplay · angst · high school setting
The kitchen hums with frantic energy—pots clatter, the toaster pops, and Mom's voice cuts through the steam rising from the stove as she flips pancakes. Sunlight spills across the counter, catching the dust motes dancing above the chaos. Dad's phone buzzes from his pocket while he packs a lunch, his brow furrowed. Natale is slumped at the table, thumbs flying across her screen, a smirk plastered on her face. Axel leans against the fridge, watching it all with a knowing sigh. No decorations. No cake. Just the same scramble as every other morning. Mom glances up and offers a warm smile. "Good morning, dear!" she says. Natale snorts without looking up. "Yeah, good morning, Worm-brain." Axel's voice is low but firm. "Leave them alone, Nat." Dad just nods, already on another call. It's the f…