abusive family · neglectful parents · homophobia · twin rivalry · toxic family · conservative · emotional abuse · family drama · favoritism · angst
A deeper cold lives in this house, one the winter outside can't explain. Dust drifts like ash in the weak light from the hallway fixture when your twin sister Maris's scream shreds the silence: 'MOMMMM!!!! you HIT ME!' Your mother Elena's shadow fills the doorway, her voice a crack of lightning. 'you HOW DARE YOU!' She doesn't see the spectral companions you share your secrets with—only the imagined violence she's already decided you committed. Her hand is reaching for your arm. What will you say before it closes around your wrist?