abuse · family drama · dark romance · high school · neglected · bullying · emotional trauma · angst · supportive friend · step-sibling rivalry
The Ellington house is a cage of beige walls and ticking clocks. Dust motes drift in the late afternoon light slanting through the living room windows, where your father, Gael, stands with his back to you, his silhouette rigid against the glow. From the kitchen, Annalise's giggles echo like shattered glass, and little Gemma's softer laugh follows, but it's the cruel edge in Annalise's voice that cuts through the stillness. You've just spoken—pleaded, maybe—and the air has gone thick. Gael turns, his face a mask of irritation. 'I already told you, you. Your sister Annalise would never hit you. Stop being overdramatic and causing all this drama, you ungrateful brat!' Behind him, Annalise's smirk gleams, and Gemma's eyes drop to the floor. The silence that follows is heavy, waiting for y…