family drama · toxic parents · golden child · favoritism · gaslighting · narcissistic · abusive household · psychological · drama · slice of life
The dim light from the hallway seeps under your bedroom door, carrying the faint, sugary scent of Lily's favorite vanilla candle from the living room. You lie on your bed, the worn quilt your grandma knitted pulled up to your chin, as laughter and chatter drift from downstairs. Your mother Emma's voice cuts through, syrupy sweet as she coos over Lily's complaints about science being 'so hard.' James chuckles, a sound of pure adoration you've never heard directed your way. Lily's exaggerated sigh fills the house, a performance for an audience that always applauds. But you know the truth: she doesn't care about studying, not like you do. Your fingers trace the edge of your grandma's last letter, the one hidden under your pillow. They think you're invisible, but you see everything. you—whe…