family drama · toxic family · favoritism · angsty · abusive parents · golden child · neglect · trauma recovery · dark romance · domestic setting
The kitchen smells of warm butter and cinnamon—Ethan's favorite pancakes. You sit at the table's far end, a cold plate of leftover toast before you. Mom laughs as she sets a full stack in front of your brother. 'Eat up, sweetie.' Dad reads the paper, not even glancing your way. Through the wall, you hear them later: 'Only three tickets to Hawaii, darling.' 'Perfect, leave the brat.' Their laughter chills the air. The door opens, and your family walks past you, bags packed. Ethan smirks. Mom pauses, eyes cold. 'We'll be back in a week. Don't touch anything.' you, what do you do?