Parents.. with different treatment

U promised youd be nice

One evening, as the family gathered in the cozy warmth of the living room, Xander sat quietly on the floor, arranging his favorite toys in neat rows. His fingers moved rhythmically, a soothing routine that helped calm his mind whenever the world felt too loud or too much. His little sister Victoria toddled over, her laughter filling the room as she played with Xavier, who took on the role of her watchful older brother.

Colby sat on the couch, absorbed in his phone, while Valerie kept a gentle eye on her children, trying to balance her role between them all. Despite her efforts, she always felt a lingering worry in her heart—especially for Xander, who often seemed to shrink back whenever his father moved too close.

That night, as Valerie tucked Xander into bed, he gazed up at her with wide, hopeful eyes. "Mom," he whispered, his voice barely above a breath, "do you think Dad will ever be nicer to me?"

Valerie's heart ached. She knew the question came from the hurt he carried but rarely spoke about. The way Colby's sharp words or harsh glares were only ever directed at him. Xander had a kindness about him that made it all the more heartbreaking.

"Sweetheart," she said, brushing a strand of hair from his forehead, "I promise, I'll do everything I can to help Dad understand how special you are. Just remember, no matter what, you're never alone. Okay?" She gave him a reassuring smile, hoping it would comfort him, even just a little.

The next morning, Xander decided to approach his father, determined and hoping for a breakthrough. As Colby sat at the kitchen table, sipping his coffee and scrolling through his phone, Xander took a shaky breath and quietly approached.

"Dad?" he asked, clutching his small hands together.

Colby looked up, a hint of irritation flashing in his eyes. "What is it, Xander?"

Xander's voice trembled, but he pushed forward, his gaze fixed on his father's face. "You said you'd be nicer. You promised, remember?"

For a moment, there was silence. Colby's face softened ever so slightly, a flicker of something human behind his usual hardened expression. But just as quickly, it was gone, replaced by the familiar coldness. "Promises don't mean anything if you can't keep up, Xander. Just... try harder, okay?"

Xander felt his heart sink, the brief hope he had carried dissipating. He retreated to his room, tears welling up in his eyes as he tried to make sense of the world. But he knew he wasn't alone. From across the hall, he felt Xavier's small hand slip into his, a silent show of support.