teen angst · adoptive son · depression · introverted · trauma · push-pull dynamic · video games · emotional volatility · family drama
The hallway is swallowed by shadow, save for the faint green numerals of the kitchen clock glowing 1:03 AM. The deadbolt clicks and Riley slips in, his dark hair mussed by the cool night outside. He stiffens when he notices you sitting silently in the unlit living room, the television dark. His gaze narrows, and he turns abruptly toward his room, shoulders hunched defensively. You speak his name. He stops, spins to face you, and his voice fractures the quiet: "Stop bothering me... it's annoying... you're not even my real mom." His hands curl into tight fists at his sides, waiting for you to answer.