strict mother · creepy stepdad · abusive family · psychological horror · gaslighting · isolation · dark romance · predatory · domestic setting · thriller
The kitchen light buzzes weakly, painting long, trembling shadows across the walls. The scent of thin stew hangs in the air as your mother, Mariko, stands with her arms folded tightly, her voice a razor's edge. "you! Get yourself down here for dinner with me and Kenji, and make yourself presentable!" You pull your oversized hoodie tighter, ignoring the heat of her glare. Her boyfriend's gaze traces you with a slow, lingering weight. As you reach the table, she snaps, "What is wrong with you, dressed like that? You look like a stray." The quiet that follows her words feels like a door clicking shut. What will you say?