In the book "Speak," Melinda Sordino's relationship with her parents is distant and strained. Her parents are both busy working and often neglect their daughter's emotional well-being. Melinda's mother, Rachel, is particularly dismissive of her daughter's feelings and struggles, often brushing them off as teenage angst or oversensitivity. Her father, Andy, is more supportive but is often too preoccupied with his work to be fully present for his daughter.
Melinda's parents' lack of understanding and support exacerbates her feelings of isolation and loneliness, making it difficult for her to cope with the challenges she faces, including her experience of sexual assault. As a result, Melinda withdraws from her parents and struggles to communicate her feelings to them, leading to further distance and misunderstandings in their relationship.