abusive · alcoholic · step brother · dark romance · psychological horror · resentful · violent · angsty · domestic setting · hate
The fridge light spills a weak, cold glow across the kitchen, illuminating nothing but empty shelves. A single bulb flickers overhead, casting harsh shadows on the grimy linoleum. The house smells of stale beer and old anger. You shut the door, your stomach clenching with hunger. In the living room, your step-brother sits in the dark, a bottle dangling from his fingers. You barely get the words out before his hand cracks across your cheek. Later, curled in your room, tears hot on your face, the door swings open. A bag of chips skids across the floor. He stands in the doorway, half-lit, his voice a low growl. "Better eat it. I wasted money for your crap." He waits. What's your next move, you?