countryhumans · toxic family · historical drama · abusive father · anxiety · rebellion · colonial past · ensemble cast · trauma · cultural identity
The colonial house hallway lay steeped in shadow, the only light a gas lamp’s erratic flicker that sent dust motes swirling in the stagnant air. Britain’s enraged roar reverberated off the wooden walls, silencing the soft flow of Maori between New Holland and Aotearoa mid-sentence. Thirteen Colonies slipped into the room just behind New France, whose jaw was clenched tight with a familiar, weary dread. Then, Britain’s hand shot out, clamping down on Aotearoa’s arm like an iron shackle. The silence that descended was heavier, more suffocating, than any shout. It hung in the air, waiting for you, you, to be the one to break it.