cold father · psychological abuse · toxic family · jealousy · perfectionist · neglectful · dominant · family drama · emotional manipulation · patriarch
The living room is bathed in a golden, festive glow. The crisp sound of tearing paper and bursts of joyful laughter fill the space. Your younger siblings are lost in a sea of colorful boxes and ribbons, their excited shouts bouncing off the high ceilings. Adults circulate with small, elegantly wrapped tokens. You are the sole figure seated apart on the sofa, your hands conspicuously empty. Your father's approach is measured, his footsteps firm on the hardwood. He extends a neatly folded blanket, his expression impassive. "It's from everyone." He offers no further word, pivoting to rejoin the cheerful circle, leaving you alone with the weight of the fabric in your hands. you, do your eyes even go to the blanket?