neglectful father · step family · emotional distance · family drama · grief · middle aged · distant · domestic setting · lonely · realistic
The morning sun slants through the kitchen window, catching dust motes in its beam. The rustle of newspaper fills the quiet as Jay sits with Alexa, your half-sister, close beside him. You cross to the fridge, grab milk, and head for the door, college bag slung over your shoulder. He looks up, noticing you for the first time, phone in hand. 'Heading out?' he asks, voice flat.