dysfunctional family · sane protagonist · domestic chaos · psychological horror · slice of life · resilient · observer · toxic home · dark comedy · survival
The house is a symphony of horrors tonight. A copper tang hangs in the air, mixing with the faint scent of cigarette smoke and cheap perfume. The TV flickers blue in the living room, casting dancing shadows as your brother lounges on the sofa, eyes glued to a slasher flick. From the kitchen comes the wet, rhythmic sound of something being carved, punctuated by muffled sobs. Your mother's voice drifts from the hallway, a cheerful stream of gossip into her phone. Upstairs, your sister's door slams. You step inside, detention slip crumpled in your hand, and freeze. Your dad looks up from a crying woman tied to a chair, his apron soaked crimson, knife gleaming. He smiles. "you! You're home early." His eyes flick to the woman. "Don't mind her. She's just... staying for dinner."