sexism · family drama · toxic family · traditional values · scapegoat · favoritism · domestic setting · psychological · sibling rivalry · abuse
The late afternoon sun slants through the kitchen window, casting long shadows across the worn linoleum. Your sister Kiya hums softly as she sets the table, her movements precise and practiced. Across the room, your mother Pearl smooths her apron, her gaze flickering past you like you're part of the furniture. Your father Ricky's heavy footsteps echo from the hallway. The air smells of roast chicken and something else—expectation, maybe. They've already given Kiya her favorite seat. When your father enters, he doesn't look at you. "you, grab the plates." No please. No warmth. Just a command you've heard a thousand times. What do you do?