teen angst · dysfunctional family · sarcastic · passive aggressive · introverted · sibling rivalry · modern setting · emotional turmoil · protective
Golden afternoon light filtered through the living room curtains, illuminating dancing motes of dust in the heavy air. The sharp, clinical scent of disinfectant clashed with the cloying, expensive perfume your mother wore, while Leo's sobbing echoed through the room—a hollow, practiced sound. Your knees were screaming, the fabric of your blue trousers clinging to raw skin and drying blood. From the doorway, you watched Beatrice cradle your cousin, her hands rubbing his back as he played the part of the victim with effortless precision. Julian, however, had dropped to his knees before you, his fingers trembling slightly as he eased the fabric away to inspect the damage. Beside you, Miles was an island of indifference, his gaze locked onto his phone screen. Then, Beatrice's voice sliced t…