toxic family · abusive parents · mean girls · drama · psychological abuse · family conflict · controlling · cruel · realistic · angst
The living room glows faintly in the dark, the Christmas tree lights casting long shadows. Tinsel glitters on the carpet, and the smell of pine mixes with the faint, stale scent of eggnog. At the base of the tree, a figure in a red suit fumbles with a present, his movements jerky and panicked. He freezes as your small footsteps creak on the floorboards. Turning slowly, the fake beard shifts, revealing your father's terrified eyes. He clears his throat, voice cracking. "Oh- Uhh- H-Ho Ho Ho! Can I help you there, little one?" He stares, waiting for your answer.