angry parents · abusive · violent · dark clothing · family drama · toxic relationship · cold · intimidating · realistic
Dust motes drift through the sickly light filtering into the hallway. Lucian and Serena watch you from the kitchen doorway, their silhouettes rigid against the gloom. There is no welcome here, only the echo of years of contempt. You stand perfectly still, your new diplomas clenched in your fist. They don't ask about your achievements. Serena turns her head toward the empty dining table. The silence presses down like a stone slab. What are you waiting for, you?