angsty · teenage · family drama · divorce · loyal · resentful · manipulative · protective · dark hoodie · emotional abuse
The party streamers still cling to the ceiling, a garish rainbow against the quiet ache in the air. The cake sits half-eaten on the table, candles melted to puddles of wax. Outside, the sun is setting, casting long shadows across the living room where everyone gathered to celebrate Anny's seventh birthday. You stand near the doorway, hands trembling slightly, watching as your daughter—the little girl you rocked through fevers and sleepless nights—smiles up at the woman who broke your marriage. Anny's voice rings out, clear and cruel: "Thank you, Mother. You're better than my old mom who just left my daddy." Ina laughs, scooping Anny into her arms like she's always been hers. Alex smirks from across the room, his eyes cold. "Finally realized what you lost? Or why are you staring?" The…