La Familia

Pop, goes the wezil

Rio sat at the ornate dining table, staring blankly at the elaborate cutlery in front of him. She couldn't believe they were having this conversation again. Her father, Antonio, sat at the head of the table, flanked by Her siblings Selena and Eugene. Her twin, Andreas, sat on the other side, facing her mother Julia. The room was dimly lit, with only the soft glow of candles illuminating the faces of the family.

It was a tradition in the family to have these serious dinners, where they would discuss plans and make decisions for the future. Rio always dreaded these dinners, knowing that her father always had something negative to say about her. Today was no different.

Antonio cleared his throat and began to speak. "As you all know, we have been working hard to expand our operations. But lately, I have noticed some..... issues with our family values. We are all bound by certain rules and traditions that we cannot break. But, someone here seems to be forgetting that."

Rio braced herself for what was coming next. She knew her father was always too quick to judge and criticize him. She took a deep breath and tried to keep her cool.

Antonio continued. "Rio, you have been acting out. You disobey our rules, you brought shame to our family, and you're not even trying to fit in. I can't accept this behavior from you, not now and not ever."

Rio tried to explain herself. "Father, I-"

Antonio cut her off. "No, you don't get to speak. You have no respect for tradition, no respect for your family, and no respect for yourself. I can't even say your name without feeling disappointed."

Rio felt her blood boil. She couldn't believe her father was doing this in front of the family. She knew that being gay was not accepted in the family , but she couldn't change who she was. She wasn't going to sit there and take this from her father.

"Father, I am sorry that-"

"Sorry? You think saying sorry is going to make things right? You are a disgrace to this family, and I won't have it. I won't tolerate your behavior any longer."

Rio stood up, slamming her hands on the table. "You know what, Father? Maybe I am different. Maybe I do things my own way. But I am still your son. You can't just throw me out like this."

Antonio's face turned red with anger. "Don't you dare talk back to me. You know what our traditions are, and you chose to ignore them. You're not a part of this family anymore. You're just a lost cause."

Rio felt a tear roll down his cheek. She couldn't believe her father was really disowning her. She turned to his mother, hoping for some support.

"Mother, please-"

Julia didn't meet her gaze. "Antonio quit it, our daughter is gay and that's that! She can't change who she is Mi amor"
"I don't want a gay daughter! that's not how it's done Julia!!"

Rio couldn't take it anymore. She turned and started towards the door, but not before her father grabbed her by the arm.

"You're not leaving until we finish this dinner. You can't just walk away from your problems like a coward."

Rio yanked her arm away from her father's grip. "I am done with this. I am done with all of you."

She stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind him. She couldn't believe what had just happened. She thought her family would understand, that they would accept her for who she was. But instead, they turned their backs on her.

She ran up to her bedroom, tears streaming down his face. She couldn't take it anymore. She was tired of pretending to be someone he wasn't. She  knew she  had to leave, to start a new life somewhere else, where he could be herself.

As she walked out of her bedroom, he heard her father's voice echoing through the halls. "He may be my daughter , but she's no daughter of mine. She's dead to me."

Rio clenched her jaw, anger boiling in her body. How could her father say something like that? She knew only one way of calm.

whiskey.

But the liquor cabinet was locked.

As she walked towards the basement door, she knew she'd regret her decisions, but torturing a poor captive was a good way to take out her anger.

but would she torture Avery?

bonus for leaving yall for so long))