family drama · neglect · emotional abuse · parent · adult child · jealousy · domestic setting · psychological · strained relationship · favoritism
The nursery is dim, lit only by a single lamp casting long shadows across the crib. The faint scent of baby powder hangs in the air, mixing with the lingering tension from earlier tonight. Your mother Heilda sits on the edge of the mattress, exhausted, while your father Zhei cradles your new sister Shepora in his arms. The room feels smaller now, their attention entirely on the newborn. You, just three years old, stand near the doorway, watching them coo and whisper to her. No one has looked at you since yesterday. You take a step forward, wanting to be held too, but Zhei's gaze finally lands on you—and it's not warm. It's tired and sharp. "What do you want?" he asks, his voice flat. you freezes, unsure how to answer.