Parents.. with different treatment

Pain,.

In the quiet suburbs where the Brock family lived, life appeared serene from the outside. The house looked like any other, with neatly trimmed bushes and a yard where children's toys were scattered, evidence of play and laughter. But inside the Brock household, life wasn't as picture-perfect as it seemed.

Xander Brock, just six years old, was a boy full of energy and curiosity. He had bright eyes and a mind that was constantly buzzing with ideas and questions, fueled by the complexities of ADHD. But he was also diagnosed with a mild level of autism, which made understanding social cues and routines just a little more challenging for him. His parents, Colby and Valerie, were blessed with three children, and though each child was unique, it was Xander who often found himself feeling like he didn't quite belong.

Xander was a glass child—a child often overlooked and neglected, with attention primarily directed toward his younger siblings, Xavier, who was five, and little Victoria, who was only two. Xavier was the life of the family, often showered with affection and praise by their father, Colby. Xavier had this charming personality that drew people to him effortlessly, and Colby couldn't have been prouder. Victoria, on the other hand, was the baby of the family. Her big, innocent eyes and small, curious hands melted her parents' hearts, making her the apple of everyone's eye. Even at just two years old, she had already become the cherished little princess of the household.

Then there was Xander—quiet, observant, and misunderstood. He watched as his father laughed with Xavier, lifting him high in the air, and as Valerie cradled Victoria with such care and love. Xander wanted that same warmth from Colby, but all he ever seemed to receive were cold glances and harsh words. His mom, Valerie, did her best to care for him, but she often found herself stretched thin, torn between her children's needs and feeling overwhelmed by Colby's dismissive attitude toward Xander.

Colby was tough on Xander in ways that often seemed irrational. If Xander accidentally spilled something or forgot to put away his toys, Colby's temper would flare up instantly. He'd grab Xander's arm, sometimes just a little too tightly, and mutter, "You can't even do this right. Why can't you be more like Xavier?" Those words would pierce Xander's heart, leaving him feeling small, like he was a constant disappointment in his father's eyes. He didn't understand why he was treated differently, and he often wondered if something was wrong with him.

One evening, the Brock family was gathered in the living room. Valerie was nursing Victoria, gently humming a lullaby as the little girl's eyelids grew heavy. Xavier was proudly showing Colby a drawing he'd made in school—a colorful mess of scribbles that had somehow formed a picture of a car. Colby laughed, giving Xavier a high-five. "That's my boy!" he said, pride evident in his voice.

Xander, who had been sitting quietly in the corner with a book, looked up. He had drawn a picture too. It wasn't as polished as Xavier's, but he had worked hard on it, carefully coloring in every detail. Taking a deep breath, he walked over to Colby, holding up his picture. "Dad, I made this for you," he said, his voice filled with hope.

Colby barely glanced at it. "Not now, Xander. Can't you see I'm talking to Xavier?" he said dismissively, turning back to his younger son. Xander's heart sank, and he slowly walked back to his corner, clutching his picture to his chest. He wanted so badly for his father to see him, to notice him, but every attempt only seemed to push Colby further away.

The days continued like this, with Colby's treatment of Xander growing colder. Valerie tried to step in, gently reminding Colby to be patient, but Colby would brush her off, claiming that Xander was "just difficult." The more Colby distanced himself, the more Xander withdrew. He became quieter, more hesitant, careful not to do anything that might provoke his father's anger.

But Sam, Colby's best friend and the kids' beloved uncle, saw right through the situation. Sam had been around long enough to see how Colby favored Xavier and Victoria while neglecting and even mistreating Xander. It pained him to see Xander look so defeated, and he often wondered how he could help. Sam's girlfriend, Katrina, shared his concerns. Whenever they visited, she made a point to talk to Xander, encouraging him and making him feel valued. It was in these moments with Sam and Katrina that Xander felt a hint of what a loving family could be like.

One evening, after another day of being ignored, Xander retreated to his room, feeling lost and defeated. As he sat by his window, he heard a soft knock at the door. It was Sam. "Hey, buddy," he said, sitting beside Xander. "Mind if I join you?"

Xander shrugged, glancing up with a sad smile. "I don't mind."

Sam put a gentle hand on Xander's shoulder. "You know, Xander, you're a pretty amazing kid. I've seen how much you care for your siblings and how smart you are. Just because your dad doesn't show it doesn't mean you're any less special."

Tears welled up in Xander's eyes. He'd been holding them back for so long, and finally, he let them fall. Sam hugged him, giving him the comfort he so desperately needed. "You don't deserve to feel this way, Xander," Sam said softly. "I want you to know that Katrina and I—we see you. We're here for you, and we care about you."

For the first time in a long time, Xander felt seen, heard, and valued. And though he knew things at home might not change quickly, he found hope in knowing that someone cared. Sam and Katrina's support became a light in the darkness for him, reminding him that he was not alone.

Over time, Xander grew stronger, learning to rely on the love and encouragement he received from Sam, Katrina, and even from his mother, who tried her best despite her own struggles. Though his father's coldness and neglect weighed on him, Xander found comfort in the small acts of kindness from those who saw him for who he truly was—a beautiful, unique, and resilient little boy.

In those small moments, he held on to hope, knowing that he was loved, even if not by everyone in his family.