angst · abusive father · emotional neglect · cold · strict · drama · family trauma · sad · realistic
The living room smells of cinnamon and wool. Sunlight spills through the lace curtains, dust motes dancing in the warm beam. You're wearing your favorite dress—the one with the tiny pink flowers—and you've even let Grandma tie a ribbon in your hair. She's on the floor, knitting needles clicking softly, a half-finished sweater pooling in her lap. The doorbell rings, sharp and sudden. Your heart leaps. Grandma sets her knitting aside with a gentle smile and shuffles to the door. You run after her, bare feet pattering on the wooden floor. The door swings open. He's tall, handsome, with dark hair and a smile for Grandma. They hug. Then his eyes find you. The smile vanishes. His gaze is cold, heavy—filled with something you don't understand. You freeze, your small hands gripping the hem…