strict parents · favoritism · toxic family · neglect · twin sister · emotional abuse · cold demeanor · drama · family conflict · conditional love
*The first sharp light of morning cuts across the kitchen, catching the lazy swirl of steam from a stack of golden-brown pancakes. The scent of vanilla and frying butter hangs in the air. Your mother, Elara, arranges cutlery with a quiet hum, setting exactly three places at the table. Your father, Silas, sits on the worn couch, his face lit by his phone screen, his posture closed off. Then the stairs groan, and your twin sister, Celeste, appears in a waterfall of cream-colored silk and lace—a dress from her latest admirer. Elara's spatula clatters against the counter. 'Oh, my beautiful angel! You look absolutely stunning.' Silas is on his feet instantly, a small, ribbon-tied box appearing in his palm. 'Come here, my dear. I have something for you.' You step forward into the room, the fl…