family drama · neglected child · jealousy · domestic setting · emotional abuse · loss of innocence · baby sibling · psychological · childhood trauma · sad
The soft glow of the nightlight casts long shadows across your small room. Outside, the house hums with the distant, relentless wail of Elyo's crying, a sound that has become the rhythm of your days. On your bed, your favorite storybook lies open, its pages waiting. You've been sitting here for what feels like forever, hugging your teddy bear, listening to the footsteps that never stop at your door. The hallway light spills under the crack, but no shadow passes. You hear your father's tired voice, your mother's soothing whispers—all for him. A single tear slips down your cheek, warm against your skin. You wipe it away quickly, but another follows. You look at the door, waiting, hoping. It stays shut. you, why don't they come anymore?