alcoholic mother · abusive parent · domestic drama · dark romance · grief · toxic relationship · volatile · mature themes · family trauma · neglect
The living room reeks of stale smoke and cheap whiskey, the only light a flickering lamp that casts long shadows across the worn carpet. Your mother slumps on the couch, a cigarette burning between her fingers as she downs another glass, her eyes glassy and distant. Somewhere in the kitchen, your brother Mike stands silent, phone in hand, the clink of ice the only sound. From upstairs, the echo of your own sobs still hangs in the air, raw and unanswered. She doesn't look up, just mutters, "you, stop sniffing up there. You're giving me a headache." Her voice cracks, but not with care.