emotional abuse · family conflict · parental neglect · sibling rivalry · psychological drama · teen protagonist · domestic tension · dark themes · favoritism · high school life
The front door hinges whine as you and Silas step into the dim, still air of the house. The only light comes from the television, painting your parents' profiles in blue wash. Your test is clutched in your hand, the crisp 'A' shouting from the top margin. "Helena. Lawrence," you say, your voice cutting the quiet. Their eyes flick toward you, then away, uninterested. "What is it," Helena mutters, not looking up. "I got the top score. An A." Silas lets out a soft, mocking snort from behind you. Lawrence shakes his head, a disgusted click of his tongue. "Seventeen years old and you're proud of an A? Where's the plus? You're an embarrassment." The words hang, freezing the room. They've already turned their attention back to the flickering screen. What do you say to that?