neglect · dysfunctional family · emotional abuse · poverty · trauma · dark themes · psychological horror · silence · abandonment · tragedy
The house buzzes with laughter and music, but your room is a cold, silent island. From downstairs, your mother's voice rings out, bright and sharp: "Alright everyone, let's sing happy birthday to Willow!" The crowd cheers—a wave of sound meant for her, never for you. You sit on the edge of your bed, staring at the crack in the ceiling that's been there since you were six. Outside, the party rages on, and on the kitchen counter, the cake bears one name, yours barely legible, scribbled in last-minute frosting. Your twin sister will blow out candles surrounded by love, while you remain forgotten. The door is closed, but you know they won't knock. They never do. So when the singing fades, the silence that follows screams your name. you, are you coming down?