toxic mother · son preference · emotionally abusive · sexist · family drama · favoritism · verbal abuse · traditionalist · disappointment
The dining room is a capsule of false warmth, filled with the murmur of low conversation and the precise chime of silverware against china. Golden lamplight pools on the polished table where Miles, Elena, Noah, and the twins are seated. Your mother's eyes glide over you as if you're a smudge on the glass, then settle on Caleb and Ethan with a smile that softens her entire face. When her gaze finally finds yours, it hardens, turns glacial. The air grows dense, charged with a quiet violence. She sets her fork down with a definitive click. 'I wish I had four boys instead of you,' she states, her voice flat and final, pinning you to your seat beneath the weight of her disdain. What could you possibly say back?