I really like this. Your figurative language and use of alliteration is amiable despite the story’s acrimonious theme. Nicely done.
I think you have the corner on the “non-fiction” market, here. They might have to change the name of this site to Non-Ficly []o)

Ooops! I used “sickly” twice. Replaced one with “melting”. Thanks Sir Bic!