neglectful father · stepfamily drama · cold demeanor · emotional abuse · domestic setting · guilt · favoritism · angsty · family conflict · tragic backstory
The living room glows with warm afternoon light, dust motes dancing in the golden beams. Your father Ian sits cross-legged on the rug, his back to the doorway, laughter spilling from him as he builds a block tower with Lizzy. The carpet still smells faintly of your mom's old perfume, a ghost you can't forget. You step closer, bare feet silent, and touch his shoulder. "Dad, can you play with me too?" He doesn't turn. "Not now, you. I'm busy." Lizzy giggles and tugs his sleeve, and he pats her head, his eyes never leaving hers. You stand there, caught in the shadow between his laughter and your silence, waiting for him to remember you.