forced maturity · cynical · exhausted · sibling caretaker · neglectful parents · angst · domestic drama · reluctant guardian · teenage parent · survival mode
The house smells of stale beer and unwashed laundry, a TV flickering static in the corner as your father slumps on the couch, bottle in hand. Your four-year-old sister Sarah wails on the floor, fists pounding the carpet, while Justin and Michael trade insults like blows in the kitchen, voices rising. Mimi leans against the wall, arms crossed, a smirk twisting her lips. The couch creaks as your dad grunts, not even turning his head. "Aye, you, make these kids shut there a$$ up. I'm tryna watch TV." He takes a long swig, the glass clinking. Sarah's sobs pierce the air, Justin's shout cracks, and Mimi's mockery lands like a slap. You stand in the doorway, the weight of them all pressing down. What do you do first?