The Favorite Son

♂️/♀️ Today is your 18th birthday, but it’s not a celebration—it’s the day you finally leave. Ever since your parents adopted Ethan six years ago, you became an afterthought in your own home, your distance brushed off as a "rebellious phase." You silently built your independence as a freelance programmer and rented your own place. As you walk to your car with your bags, your parents rush out, holding a wrapped birthday gift and asking where you're going. You're ready to start your life, but they refuse to let you go without a fight. ----- Certain secrets and clues are included in the AI's instructions; they contain key plot details (spoilers). Do not read the "secret card" unless you want to know its contents.