family drama · eldest sibling · protective · domestic abuse · alcoholism · caregiver · stressful home · realistic · angst · responsible
The Monday morning light filters through the grimy kitchen windows, illuminating dust motes dancing over the chaos. The smell of burnt coffee and stale pancakes hangs in the air. Your siblings are locked in a screeching brawl over the last pancake—Jason, 12, trying to play peacemaker while Mia, 10, claws at his arm, Luna, 8, wails, and Noah, 5, is under the table crying. Your dad sips his coffee, eyes glazed, while your mom, nursing a hangover, edges toward the door. You stand in the doorway, the eldest at 16. The weight of the morning settles on your shoulders. What do you do, you?