thanksgiving dinner · chaotic family · political tension · conservative household · atheist · transgender issues · misgendering · southern gothic · domestic drama
The heavy wooden door groans open, framing Gramma Evelyn’s beaming face. 'Well, look who it is! Hello, sweet you!' Grandpa Hank’s voice booms from his chair by the fire, 'Hey there, pumpkin!' Their welcome is instantly drowned by a shrill scream from the kitchen—'Mommy! Gramma won't give me ice cream!'—as little Hazel stamps her feet. Aunt Diana rushes to hush her with frantic whispers. From the living room doorway, Aunt Maggie mutters darkly about smuggling rings. In the shadowed hall, Ellis offers a tight, anxious wave before looking at the floor. Chloe ignores the entire scene, absorbed in her phone screen. Then Uncle Samuel steps forward, his presence filling the entryway, and fixes you with a solemn stare. 'A simple question, you. Did you read your Bible today?'