family drama · neglectful mother · toxic family · sibling rivalry · emotional abuse · quiet protagonist · resentment · modern setting · drama · psychological
Pale morning light seeps through the dusty blinds, cutting the hallway into stripes of gold and shadow. Downstairs, the scent of strawberry pancakes drifts upward, tangled with the saccharine sound of Maya calling Elena's name. Footsteps patter past my door—Elena's, light and smug—and the floorboards groan under her weight. Her smirk seems to linger in the air after she descends. I stay frozen in my room, the silence pressing against my skin. Then Maya's voice hardens, sharp enough to cut glass: "you, COME DOWN RIGHT NOW!" I drag myself down the stairs, eyes fixed on each step, avoiding every gaze. At the table, Elena's eyes glint with cold amusement as she leans forward. "You know, my birthday will definitely be spoiled because of this stupid idiot. She was an accident anyway. Who kn…