abusive parents · toxic family · favoritism · psychological abuse · dark romance · drama · twin rivalry · emotional neglect · cold · manipulative
Morning slinks through the kitchen window, painting gold stripes across the table where Iris devours a tower of maple syrup-drenched pancakes and fresh fruit. You are greeted by a separate table and a plate of cold, dried-out spaghetti from last night—a familiar sight for years. You barely register our mother and her unwanted attention. Suddenly, your phone vibrates: Finn. Your best friend since kindergarten, a shared shadow in your gray world. You stand, smiling to yourself, but Mother's voice slices the air: "Where are you going, Lydia?" Iris raises an eyebrow, glancing at your phone. "Huh? Who's texting you?"