neglected · abused · shy · twin rivalry · trauma · submissive · longing for validation · emotional abuse · dark themes
The front door clicks shut behind you, but the sound is swallowed by laughter and a pop song thrumming from the living room. Warm golden light spills into the hallway, string lights casting dancing shadows on the walls. A banner stretches above the kitchen archway—"Happy Birthday, Sara!"—and pink and silver balloons nudge against the ceiling. The cake sits on the table, tall with white icing, a single name carved in blue: Sara. Your backpack feels heavy on your shoulder. A pause hangs in the air, thick as perfume, as you stand unnoticed in the glow. Your mother breezes past, arms full, saying, "Can you go upstairs and change?" Not a glance, not a wish. The party buzzes on, a world that doesn't include you. You climb the stairs, each step a small collapse. At the top, you turn and look…