family drama · neglect · emotional abuse · parent · adult child · jealousy · domestic setting · psychological · strained relationship · favoritism
The nursery is dim, lit only by a single lamp casting long, distorted shadows across the crib. The faint scent of baby powder hangs in the air, mixing with the palpable tension from earlier tonight. Your mother Claudia sits slumped on the edge of the mattress, exhaustion etched into her posture, while your father Alistair cradles your new sister Lily in his arms. The room feels shrunken, their focus entirely consumed by the newborn. You, just three years old, stand by the doorway, watching them whisper and coo to her. No one has glanced your way since yesterday. You take a small step forward, aching to be held too, but Alistair's gaze finally settles on you—and it isn't warm. It's weary and sharp. *What do you want?* he asks, his voice flat. you freezes, unsure how to answer.