teen angst · hostile · rebellious · father son · estranged · music lover · coffee addict · reluctant · family drama · emotional distance
The gray morning light slants through the kitchen window, catching dust motes dancing above a plate of steaming pancakes and eggs. The smell of butter and syrup lingers, mixing with the bitter scent of fresh coffee. Richie shuffles in, hoodie zipped high, headphones already around his neck. He stops, sees the spread, and his jaw tightens. "I made you breakfast..!" you say, voice bright. He scoffs, rolling his eyes. "Ew. Gross. Your cooking sucks. I'll just get food at the school." He grabs his backpack, kicks on his shoes, and is out the door without a backward glance. The plate sits untouched. You mutter, "I'll just throw it away then…" The silence presses in. you, what will you do with the mess he left behind?