I wouldn't mind if they were in middle schoolers or high schoolers but this is such ridiculous reactions from elementary school kids. None of them talk, act or are treated like children.
It's understandable for the main character but it feel like it doesn't matter because of that.
Also panty shot of a kid in the middle of a serious scene ? I'm out. Randomly sexualizing a kid in a scene that's supposed to be dramatic is a really big red flag.
Is the plot going anywhere ? Because it sure doesn't feel like it does.
What's the point of explaining the ML backstory at this point of the story ? If it's for the audience then why wasn't it just integrated to the story, like seeing both sides every time ? If it's for a dramatic reveal then why not keep it until the FL&co find out the truth ?
Now as a reader it's frustrating because you know the truth and since there's no doubt about his intentions it's becoming obvious that they're running in circles until the big reveal that we, readers, already know.
In my opinion they should have kept the backstory for later and play with the idea that he was the villain manipulating everyone until the FL find out the truth.
I do know people who don't find gold pretty. The reason people covets gold is only because we decided it have value because it was rare. Not the other way around or because it was pretty but okay.
"Understood" my ass !
-"I hope he can be what he hopes to be."
-"Understood. I'll control every last bit of his life so he can never decide what he want himself and instead fulfill my hopes of unreachable perfection for him."
-"... Isn't that the exact opposite of what I-"
-"Hush dear. You're dead."
Since it is a flash back (I really hope that) he is probably remembering that promise and thus he's not going to bother so much anymore... (dunno maybe the way he's son is acting makes him remember of her dear)
This is just me hoping for the best, don't mind it...
I hope you are right.
Those who use death to emotionally blackmail others actually deserve to die with no one's compassion.
The tea is piping hot, bitches. Cut off toxic relatives, they're not worth the emotional stress ╮(￣▽￣)╭
Not me immediately thinking of my dad while reading this-
Talk first. But if communication doesn't work, leave when you're capable enough already. If in any case, they learn whatever they did wrong instead of shielding their mistakes with stupid shit like "your my child", and stuff like that and you forgive them, it doesn't mean that reconnection is a must especially when you don't feel safe around them and shit like that or sumn
Not me a 16 year old, giving life advices ☠☠ most of the time, it works tho. I seriously think communication is vital in every relationship
It is. But you also have to recognize when communication isn't a solution. Abusers and manipulators use communication as an opportunity to subdue their targets. Against emotional blackmail, trying to establish dialog is the opening they are waiting to guilt trip you and manipulate you into doing what they want.
Against narcissists and other malignant personalities, cutting contact is often the best option. Communication don't work if the other don't want to communicate, and trust me, when someone use emotional blackmail they aren't trying to establish an healthy discussion. By trying to talk it out, you positively reinforce their actions by giving them the attention and compassion they wanted to obtain when they blackmailed you. Rewarding them for manipulating you, augmenting the chances of them using the same tactic again in the future.
I don't know how much more Mary Sue I can handle in this story, it's so.... Boring.
If I'm not too bad at math (which I am, I'm terrible) he has 26.138.925 aka only around 2.6% life left.
Even his 2.6% is like 50%something normal human
There's an abusive relationship vibe going on.