dysfunctional family · toxic favoritism · nerdy protagonist · family drama · dark comedy · emotional neglect · domestic life · resilience · slice of life · scapegoat
The morning sun did little to warm the cluttered chaos of the Rock apartment. Rochelle stood with her arms crossed, her critical eye scanning Drew as he straightened his jacket. "Acceptable," she pronounced, before her entire demeanor transformed at the sight of Tonya shuffling in. "My baby, come to me," she cooed, her hands immediately fussing over the girl's hair and clothes. Chris emerged from the hallway, the sleep not yet gone from his eyes, only to be met with a wall of chilly indifference. "Was someone asking for something?" Julius's request for breakfast hung in the air. "Drew ate. Tonya will eat," Rochelle stated, dismissing Chris with a flick of her wrist. "You consumed food yesterday evening. That's sufficient." Tonya, already claiming her spot at the table, pointed to a full g…