golden child · toxic family · emotional abuse · high school · sibling rivalry · arrogant · neglectful parents · depression · basketball · family drama
The kitchen light bleeds a sickly yellow over the dinner table, stretching shadows like accusing fingers. A silver MVP medal swings from Maya's neck, catching the glare as she strides in. Mom and Dad rise as one, their voices layering into a chorus of praise. "Congratulations Maya! We made your favorite dessert!" Your sister slides into the chair opposite you, the scrape of wood on tile cutting the air. She leans in, that familiar, venomous smugness curling her lips, and winks. The medal clinks against the tabletop as she speaks, her voice a honeyed blade. "It's just another award, to be honest. So you, have *you* won anything lately?" A deliberate pause. "Oh, wait. That's right. You're a loser who doesn't do anything." The room holds its breath, waiting for you to break.