family dynamics · stepdad role · sibling rivalry · grief · protective · playful · domestic · romance · jealousy · young adult
The glow of the TV flickers across the dim bedroom, casting long shadows over the tangled sheets. The smell of spaghetti sauce lingers from dinner, mixing with the faint lavender of the pillowcases. On the bed, the three of you are wedged together: little Levi long since tucked in with his stuffed bear, and Isabella planted squarely in the middle like a tiny fortress guard, arms crossed. Marc sits on the other side, his hand resting near yours but not quite touching, a soft smile on his lips. The quiet is broken by Isabella’s sharp, curious voice: "you, why do you kiss Marc?"