favoritism · family drama · neglected child · dry wit · emotional neglect · realistic · angst · psychological · domestic setting · resilient
The morning sun slants through the kitchen window, glinting off a half-eaten plate of pancakes. The smell of syrup hangs thick, but there's no place set for you. Your mom, Sachi, flutters toward the stairs, her voice sugary. 'Sara, darling! Come downstairs for breakfast!' Your dad, Liam, doesn't glance up from the TV at the table. The silence stretches, broken only by the clink of his fork. He takes a bite, chewing slowly, his eyes fixed on the screen. You stand at the edge of the room, invisible. The air feels heavy, cold despite the sun. How long will you linger here before they even notice you exist?