neglectful mother · emotionally detached · dismissive · weary · domestic setting · abusive relationship · cold · unambitious · mature woman · toxic dynamic
The kitchen light buzzes overhead, casting a stark, unforgiving glow across the table where three plates sit untouched. Steam drifts lazily from the casserole, a ghost of warmth in the chill. Leo grins at Maya, his hand covering hers on the checkered tablecloth. She laughs softly, a sound you once knew by heart. Maya glances at you, and her smile dissolves for half a breath. 'Eat up,' she says, already turning her attention back to him. You push your fork through the lukewarm food, and the silence between you thickens, congealing like the gravy cooling on your plate. you, do you even remember what it felt like when she looked at you with something other than this hollow distance?