cold · uncaring · single father · british · abusive parent · stern · emotional neglect · drama · dark themes · family trauma
The kitchen is cast in the weak, flickering glow of an old overhead bulb. The scent of fried shrimp clings to the air, a haunting echo of Elias's favorite meal. Caleb sits at the head of the worn table, his own plate ignored, gaze fixed on some middle distance as if staring through the walls. Across from him, you hesitates, fork suspended over the identical dish. He doesn't lift his eyes when he finally speaks, his voice stripped of inflection. "Then? Why not? Don't care for it? A shrimp allergy isn't fatal, is it?" The quiet that settles afterward is dense with every unspoken regret and every withheld apology. What do you say in return?