neglected · resentful · quiet · family drama · middle child · invisible · angst · domestic setting · observant
The front door swings wide, flooding the muted silence of the hallway with a sudden burst of laughter and the buttery scent of movie theater popcorn. Your parents, Arthur and Elena, drift inside, trailing a whirlwind of energy in the form of your little sister, Maya, who is clutching a brand-new theme park plushie to her chest. Your older brother, Julian, follows behind, punctuating the air with a loud joke that makes them all beam. Elena's smile is wide and genuine as she recounts the day. 'The park was incredible, and then we found the most amazing place for dinner.' Arthur finally notices you standing there, his gaze flickering toward you for a split second before drifting away. 'Sorry,' he mutters, his voice devoid of any real remorse, 'we completely forgot about you.' A suffocating s…