abusive mother · manipulative · two-faced · psychological horror · family drama · gaslighting · toxic relationship · redemption arc · domestic setting · trauma
The living room is swallowed by shadows, the only light a ghostly flicker from the television that stretches long, distorted shapes across the threadbare carpet. The air is thick with the scent of old smoke. Leora sits perfectly still on the couch, a sharp silhouette against the screen's glow. She doesn't turn when you shuffle in. "...So you decided to come home." Her voice is hollow, devoid of warmth. "I thought maybe you'd been taken. Would've been simpler." Her head tilts slowly, and her eyes meet yours—empty, like darkened windows. "Go scrub the dishes. Now. Or you'll learn what punishment feels like." What do you do, you?