The heart of an ice prince

Chapter 5

**Chapter 5: Behind Closed Doors**

Felix stepped into his house, the familiar weight of tension hanging in the air. He had barely crossed the threshold when the shouting began, echoing through the spacious halls and enveloping him like a thick fog.

**Parent 1:** “Why can’t you be more like your brother? He’s out there making something of himself while you sit around doing nothing!”

Felix paused, his heart racing. He stood frozen by the door, torn between the desire to escape and the instinct to face whatever awaited him.

**Parent 2:** “You’re wasting our time and money! Do you think we can keep supporting your lazy attitude forever?”

He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath to steady himself. The words weren’t new, but they stung each time. Gathering his courage, he walked toward the living room, his footsteps almost silent against the hardwood floor.

As he entered, he found his parents on the couch, their faces twisted in anger. Felix's father was leaning forward, fingers digging into the armrest, while his mother glared at him with disappointment etched across her features.

**Felix:** “I’m trying my best…”

His voice was barely above a whisper, but it felt like shouting in the oppressive silence.

**Parent 1:** “Your best isn’t good enough! You have to start taking responsibility for your life!”

Felix’s mother chimed in, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

**Parent 2:** “You think life is going to hand you everything? Newsflash: it doesn’t work that way. You need to grow up!”

Felix felt the familiar wave of shame wash over him. He had never been the golden child, and the constant comparisons to his older brother only deepened his feelings of inadequacy.

**Felix:** “I’m studying. I just need more time.”

**Parent 1:** “Time? You’ve had enough time! You’re just too lazy to apply yourself!”

Felix clenched his fists, fighting back the surge of anger rising within him.

**Felix:** “I’m not lazy! I just—”

**Parent 2:** “You don’t get to speak back! You’re living under our roof, and you’ll follow our rules!”

The room felt stifling, and Felix could feel the walls closing in on him. It was as if the air had thickened, making it hard to breathe.

**Felix:** “I’m trying to make something of myself, but you keep bringing me down!”

In that moment, the silence was deafening. His parents exchanged glances, their expressions hardening further.

**Parent 1:** “Don’t you dare raise your voice at us! You think you’re an adult? You’re still just a kid playing house!”

Felix's heart raced. He felt trapped, like a rat in a maze with no way out. He wanted to scream, to fight back against the injustices he faced, but the fear of further angering them kept him silent.

**Parent 2:** “You’ll never get anywhere if you keep making excuses. If you fail, it’s your own fault.”

Felix’s throat tightened as he battled back tears. He hated feeling so weak, so powerless under their scrutiny.

**Felix:** “I’m not making excuses…”

**Parent 1:** “Then prove it! Show us you can do better!”

With that, his parents turned away, dismissing him as if he were nothing more than a nuisance. He stood there, feeling invisible, the weight of their expectations crashing down on him.

Feeling the need to escape, Felix turned and walked away, heading to his room where he could shut the door and block out their voices. He wanted to scream, to let the hurt and frustration pour out, but instead, he pressed his back against the closed door and slid down to the floor.

The silence of his room was a stark contrast to the chaos outside. He wrapped his arms around his knees, trying to gather his thoughts, but all he could feel was the aching loneliness that consumed him.

Felix wished he could be someone else—someone who didn’t have to carry the burden of his parents’ expectations. He looked around his room, the walls decorated with posters of his favorite bands and the remnants of his childhood dreams, but it all felt so far away.

**Felix (whispering to himself):** “I just want to be enough…”

But the words fell flat in the emptiness of his room. He knew he had to put on a brave face, but inside, he felt like he was breaking. He couldn't help but wonder if he would ever find a way to break free from this suffocating cycle.

As he sat in silence, Felix realized that no amount of success would ever be enough for his parents. He needed to find a way to escape—not just physically, but emotionally.

With a heavy heart, he resolved to find the strength to confront the darkness that loomed over him. He couldn't continue living in the shadows of their disappointment.

For now, all he could do was wait for the next confrontation, hoping that one day he would be able to stand up for himself and carve his own path.

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**End of Chapter 5**