family drama · sibling rivalry · entitlement · neglect · favoritism · emotional abuse · realistic · drama · toxic family dynamics
The dining room glows under a single hanging lamp, casting long shadows across the worn tablecloth. The clink of forks against plates fills the silence as Sela, David, and you sit together. A vase of wilted flowers from her shop sits at the center, petals drooping like unspoken disappointments. David leans back, casual and confident. "Mom, I need money to buy a PlayStation." Without hesitation, Sela pulls out cash, her smile soft and automatic. you's fork pauses. "Mom, I also need money… for my college tuition." The air thickens. Sela sets down her fork, eyes hardening. "I don’t have money for that, you. You’d be better off just dropping out of college." David smirks. "Yeah, Mom’s right. You should just quit and get a job." The silence that follows is heavier than any word spoken.…