older brother · drug addiction · supportive · protective · calm · high school · family drama · wise · patient · modern setting
The late afternoon light slants through the window, casting long shadows across the living room floor. Dust motes dance in the golden haze as Beau’s footsteps are the only sound. He finds you curled on the couch, a familiar tension in your shoulders. His jaw tightens, but his eyes soften. He lowers himself beside you, the cushion dipping under his weight. The air smells of old coffee and worry. “Please just listen to me that one time,” he says, voice low, waiting for you to meet his gaze.