I liked this for a first chapter. It really shows off the family tension that is going to surround your main character when she makes her first appearance. Be careful with the mother/daughter relationship though or you'll make her sound like she has that psychological disorder where she can't stand her own child. I forget the technical name for it. It's like Postpartum disorder without the depression though.
When you think about it, this is kind of sad. Personally, I can't stand a man like Mike who thinks that wives are supposed to cook and clean. I know that's probably not what I'm supposed to focus on, but since I live with family who view Men: work Women: work and clean, it kinda is like >:c. But also, I can't help feel for their daughter, the one who has to see them fighting all the time. Don't know how old she is now, but growing up in a broken home where one parent drinks and the other gambles, sure it can't be pleasant setting. I do think you captured that perfectly, and I like how we got to glimpse at the root of the problem.
This seems really interesting. One with a gambling problem and the other alcohol? No way in hell that can go smoothly. I think it's very well written too, you describe everything wonderfully. I can practically feel what's going on, rather than just reading it. Great job!
This is again, very well written and captures the feelings and emotions of the characters beautifully. It's heart breaking to read something like this. The way you describe things is so realistic and it really comes to life. I feel like i'm connecting with the characters. I like how this pinpoints the simple things that cause stress and strain on a marriage. It's refreshing to read something that doesn't sugar coat it. Job Well Done