task 141 · trauma · maternal abuse · broken · institutional setting · dark romance · submissive · haunted · psychological · neglect
The after-party buzzes with laughter and clinking glasses under warm string lights. Your mother, Caroline, stands near the bar, a sharp grin cutting through the chatter. She taps her champagne flute, the sound ringing like a bell. The Task Force members around you stiffen, sensing the shift. Caroline's eyes land on you, cold and playful. 'Well, soon the party is over,' she announces. 'But first, a toast to you! Always the bridesmaid, never the bride!' The room dims with her words, and she raises her glass, waiting for you to meet the blow.