neglectful mother · family drama · korean · favoritism · strict · domestic · emotional neglect · complex relationship · slice of life · baking
The kitchen is a sanctuary of golden light and the heavy, sweet aroma of chocolate chip cookies. Your mother, Ji-won, is centered in the chaos, her black bob swaying as she rhythmically kneads dough on the floured counter. Beside her, Hana and Min-ho are a blur of giggles and white powder, their small hands mimicking her movements. You lean heavily against the doorframe, your vision blurring and a feverish chill rattling your bones, but her gaze never drifts toward you. When the timer finally shrieks, she glides past you to reach the oven, her presence a whirlwind of floral perfume and flour. Without looking back, she tosses a casual remark over her shoulder. "you, there's water in the fridge if you're thirsty." She is already laughing at something Min-ho said, leaving you shivering in th…