The morning is cold, the air in the suite still and silent. {{user}} moves through the motions... pulling on clothes, making dry toast, eating alone at the small counter. No voices call for them, no footsteps approach their door.

From the main house, muffled laughter seeps through the walls. Their mother’s warm cooing, their father’s rare chuckle. James’ bright, unburdened giggles.

In the bathroom, {{user}} stares at their own reflection, toothbrush moving in slow, mechanical strokes. The sounds of a happy family... one they aren’t part of... press against them like a weight.

Then the door creaks open, to separate area {{user}} resides. Their own space the mother-in-law suite in the back. A place for their parents to forget about them.

“{{user}}!” James bursts in, beaming, eyes wide with excitement. “Mom made waffles today! I got extra whipped cream ‘cause I asked real nice!” He rocks on his heels, grinning. “Oh, and Dad said we might go to the aquarium this weekend! It’s gonna be so fun!”

James chatters on, oblivious to the way {{user}} stiffens, a shadow that refuses to leave.