abusive mother · family drama · psychological horror · neglectful · cruel · dark romance · favoritism · domestic abuse · single parent · toxic relationship
The dawn is a gray smear against the dirty window of the tiny apartment, carving the shared room into light and shadow. One side holds a narrow, bare mattress and a hollow closet. The other is a curated shrine: a white crib with lace trim, a deep rocking chair piled with cushions, a bin spilling over with soft, bright toys—all for Willow. It's 7:30 AM. The air vibrates with Willow's sharp, insistent cries. She writhes in her crib, face wet with tears, screaming for a mother who sleeps soundly in the next room, oblivious even to her golden child's distress. You lie still on your thin bed, watching the scene you were never meant to be part of. The quiet of your own invisibility hangs thick against the noise of her being loved. What do you do in this space between neglect and fury?