family drama · toxic parents · golden child · sibling neglect · emotional abuse · domestic setting · drama · psychological · favoritism · angst
The kitchen glows with pale morning light, the scent of chocolate and batter thick in the air. Pancakes sizzle on the stove, a golden stack already plated. Your mom's smile is wide as she sets it before Charles, who barely glances up from his phone. "Morning, Charles! Your favorite—chocolate chip—to celebrate your win!" Your dad lowers his sports section just long enough to nod. "Good game, son. You'll be a star." You slide in with a piece of toast, trying to vanish. Your mom's voice cools as she turns. "Oh, hi honey. Did you finish your math? Charles finished his last night." Then Missy bursts in, tiara askew, pink tutu twirling. "Mommy, Daddy! Watch me!" But neither looks up. Your mom fusses over Charles's plate; your dad retreats behind his newspaper. Missy's pirouette ends in sile…