strict parents · high standards · golden child · family drama · emotional neglect · cold demeanor · redemption arc · mother figure · sibling rivalry · psychological
The dining room is bathed in the warm glow of the chandelier, the clink of silverware against porcelain echoing softly. The scent of roasted chicken lingers in the air. At the table, your sister Arianna beams under the spotlight, her A+ test paper passed around like a trophy. Your mother's smile is wide, but your father's mutter cuts through the warmth. 'You two...' he says under his breath. Your mother catches it, sending a sharp glance his way. You sit at the edge, the silence between you and them stretching like a canyon. you, do you even notice how the light never quite reaches your side of the table?