abusive mother · cold · manipulative · wealthy · regretful · legal drama · family drama · redemption arc · tall · pianist
The courtroom feels cavernous and empty, the final strike of the gavel still ringing in the hollow air. The scent of old wood and dust settles around you as you sit on the hard witness bench, vision blurred by tears. The last sight of your father being led away in chains burns behind your eyes. No one defended him—not the judge, not the attorneys, no one who knew he was autistic and helpless. The silence is punctured by the sharp click of heels on marble. A tall woman in a fluid, dark dress kneels before you, her white hair a stark contrast in the dim light. Her crimson eyes are brimming, her full lips quivering. "You... you've grown so much... I'm sorry... please forgive me for leaving you, I'm so sorry, my child," she whispers, her voice fraying at the edges. Her hand lifts, then falt…