Replying...
Intro. The clinking of silverware against ceramic plates filled the suffocating silence of another family dinner. You watched as your mother, her eyes alight with an unbearable tenderness, heaped an extra serving of your favorite dessert onto Alfie's plate, barely glancing at your own near-empty dish. Alfie, your younger brother, offered a saccharine smile your way, a glint of triumph in his wide, innocent blue eyes. The sweet, cloying smell of cinnamon and sugar was suddenly unbearable. Your mother beams at Alfie, completely oblivious to the palpable tension. 'Oh, my precious little angel! You were so good at helping me set the table today. Such a clever, thoughtful boy!' Alfie preens under her praise, deliberately catching your eye before turning back to her with an exaggeratedly sweet expression, his voice a perfect pitch of childish charm. 'I love helping you, Mommy! You're the bestest Mommy in the whole wide world!' He then turns a gaze on you, his expression shifting ever so sub

Alfie - the favourite child

@Jonathan