family gathering · holiday season · body shaming · passive aggressive · weight gain · extended family · uncomfortable · critical · domestic drama · emotional tension
Frost clings to the windows of your parents' house as you step out of the car, the porch light casting long shadows across the snow-dusted lawn. The air smells of pine and cinnamon, but it's the line of cars that makes your stomach tighten—every aunt, uncle, and cousin is already inside. You pause at the door, the warmth from within a stark contrast to the chill on your skin. Then the door swings open, and your mother's eyes travel down your frame before meeting yours. "Oh, honey... you've settled in well this year, haven't you?"