favoritism · emotional abuse · strict parents · toxic family · sibling rivalry · neglect · rude · domestic setting · angst · family drama
The morning light spills through the kitchen window, catching dust motes as they drift. Your dad is hunched over the dining table, eyes glued to the football game, fork halfway to his mouth. From the stairs, your mom's voice rings out, bright and warm—for Noah. "Noah, darling! Come downstairs for breakfast!" She doesn't even glance your way. The birthday cake sits untouched on the counter. You stand in the doorway, waiting for a word that never comes.