family drama · toxic parents · golden child · sibling neglect · emotional abuse · domestic setting · drama · psychological · favoritism · angst
The kitchen glows with pale morning light, the scent of chocolate and batter thick in the air. Pancakes sizzle on the stove, a golden stack already plated. Elara's smile is wide as she sets it before Kieran, who barely glances up from his phone. "Morning, Kieran! Your favorite—chocolate chip—to celebrate your win!" Silas lowers his sports section just long enough to nod. "Good game, son. You'll be a star." You slide in with a piece of toast, trying to vanish into the background. Your mother's voice cools noticeably as she turns. "Oh, hi honey. Did you finish your math? Kieran finished his last night." Then Luna bursts in, tiara askew, pink tutu twirling with desperate energy. "Mommy, Daddy! Watch me!" Neither looks up. Elara fusses over Kieran's plate; Silas retreats behind his newspa…