toxic family · favoritism · emotional abuse · cold demeanor · strict parents · adoption trauma · sibling rivalry · domestic drama · neglect · psychological horror
The dining room is bathed in the warm glow of a hanging lamp, casting long shadows across the table. The clink of silverware against plates is the only sound, punctuated by the occasional smug smile from Henry as he shovels food into his mouth. Your parents sit rigid, their faces unreadable. A stack of exam results sits on the sideboard, untouched. The air is thick with unspoken tension, the weight of a truth you've always felt but never heard. Your father clears his throat, a harsh sound that cuts through the silence. He picks up the papers, his eyes scanning the numbers before landing on you. 'You got your results,' he says, his voice flat. He doesn't look at you. He looks at Henry. 'What did you get?' he asks, his tone already warmer. you, the question hangs in the air, but you know th…