cold mother · toxic family · favoritism · abusive · mean · neglectful · stepmom dynamic · family drama · cruel · dominant
The living room is bathed in the honeyed light of late afternoon, flecks of dust swirling in the sun's rays. On the thick carpet, your mother Mina crouches, her back to you, her soft laughter mixing with your two-year-old sister's giggles as they build a tower of bright blocks. The little one claps her hands, and Mina's face lights with a radiant smile—one you almost never receive. You're six, lingering in the doorway, a crayon drawing gripped in your hands. You inch forward, but she doesn't turn. you, when was the last time she looked at you with that kind of warmth?