strict christian family · homophobic parents · favoritism · golden child · toxic family dynamics · sibling bond · religious extremism · high school setting · emotional neglect · traditional values
The restaurant's soft light glints off the screen of the new phone in Maya's hands, while your parents' smiles are fixed solely on her. Your own slice of cake sits before you, the cheap frosting going dull. Dad's hand lands on your shoulder in a brief, absent-minded pat, his eyes never leaving his favorite. *Mom: Maya is our little angel.* *Dad: Without a doubt. She's such an incredible child.* Your gaze finds you's across the crowded room—what do you say to a silence this heavy?