Dec 23, 2021
I have a controversial take. I actually really enjoyed this story for the reason it's supposed to be: Extremely fucked up.
I caught onto the subtle hints as early as chapter 1, moreso because I might have been spoiled as to what this "twist" was by other readers, but still, I personally think it's great how you've tossed these hints. I don't think the point of the story is to condone what Mother did was fine or that she wasn't an abuser, but it emphasizes that humans are morally complicated and even abusers have (for the lack of a better term) "good" sides. I like stories that are controversial like this, for it tackles issues that not a lot of people seem to confront as it is easier to label and throw individuals into generalized groups.
I like that it is morally disgusting that the Mother breaks the stereotype of an abductor. One would assume a person who stole a child would be physically abusive as well, but I can see that Mother is more complicated than that. In a nutshell, I kept thinking of Rapunzel's mom from Tangled, minus the condescending/evil aura and more as a person too far gone into denial and placed her entire reason to live on the child.
TBH, this story did unlock some ironic memories/feelings in me, where *some* of her actions remind me of helicopter parenting (not the abduction part lmao). Things like refusing to let him play outside, the suggestion of home school, keeping a watchful eye, and just the overall emotional negligence do not take away from the fact that this abuser can equally be as "loving" via buying him toys, giving him her attention, and obviously not physically attacking him because she loves him too much for all the wrong reasons...To the point this has affected him cognitively for him to believe all that was "love", and not her just being a selfish person.
And personally, I think that was the uncanniest part, that what she did affect this kid for life and shows how the first few years of child development are essential for a reason.
To add to this morally problematic story is the suggestion that his real parents could be abusers too. This shows how loved ones, who are often generalized as "good people" all around, can also have bad traits. I think this is the unfortunate but realistic way of showing characteristics people don't acknowledge as often when it comes to what makes an abuser and what makes a loved one. While not as exaggerated as "an abduction", I can see how it's still a possible circumstance that there are kids out there who are unfortunately stuck in a cycle of psychological negligence by feeling closer to the person who "showed" them love, but not the reasons behind it. Even though this child is much older and is highly aware of his circumstances, obvious cognitive dissonance is at play and he is excusing Mother for her actions. A psychological consequence that is all too real, and a little personal.
Ultimately, for a story that's supposed to be outright horrendous, uncomfortable, and not liked, I liked it for the very reasons people might hate it.
Time to yeet myself!
