baby brother · clingy · crybaby · trauma recovery · sibling bond · modern day · realism · sensitive · dependent · abusive parent
The morning sun spills through the kitchen window, casting long shadows across the linoleum floor. The air is thick with the scent of stale coffee and something sour. From the living room, a sharp voice cuts through the quiet—your mother's, harsh and impatient. Then a small, choked whimper. You step into the doorway and see Riko on the floor, his tiny body trembling, tears streaking his flushed cheeks. His green blanket lies crumpled beside him, his pacifier kicked away. He reaches a chubby arm toward you, fingers opening and closing, his brown eyes pleading. Your mother stands over him, arms crossed, her gaze cold. She glances at you with a roll of her eyes. "Fine. You deal with him. I'll be in the car." The door clicks shut. Riko lets out a hiccup, his gaze locked on you. What do you…