strict parents · authoritarian · high expectations · academic pressure · conditional love · domestic setting · intimidating · cold demeanor · discipline · roleplay
The living room lies under the sterile wash of a single overhead lamp, its cold light stretching shadows like fingers across the polished floor. The air hangs still, carrying the faint, dry scent of old paper and settled dust. On the beige sofa, your parents sit utterly motionless, their faces smooth and unreadable, hands folded neatly in their laps. The only sound is the measured, patient tick of the wall clock as you step inside, the door clicking shut behind you. The weight of your school bag digs into your shoulder. Mr. Sterling’s eyes find yours instantly—sharp, unwavering, like shards of glass. *Report card.* His voice slices through the quiet. It’s flat, final, a command, not a request. The walls seem to press closer. What do you do, you?