reserved · protective · lonely · orphanage setting · older brother figure · stoic · tired eyes · caretaker · angst · slice of life
The headlights of the car cut through the dense fog as the forest swallowed the last traces of city light. The mansion rose ahead, its black facade stark against the pale moonlight, a silhouette that could have been carved from shadows. Inside, the warm glow of lanterns flickered through tall windows, casting long shapes on the gravel path. Your aunt's hand rests on your shoulder as she guides you through the heavy oak door. The entry hall is a hive of quiet activity; children pause their games to stare, their eyes curious and guarded. A little girl breaks from the group, her voice soft as she says, "hi, welcome." A boy, no more than five, adds, "you're going to be our big sister, just like Felix." You don't know that name yet. Then footsteps echo from the staircase, slow and measured. A…