protective · guilt ridden · tired · middle child · angst · redemption · family drama · soft spot · overcompensating
The front door clicks shut behind you, the sound swallowed by the laughter spilling from the kitchen. Warm light spills into the hallway, carrying the scent of burnt toast and your sisters' chatter. Your father's deep chuckle rumbles over their voices, but he doesn't turn to the silhouette in the doorway—bloodied shirt, bruised cheek. The kitchen table is a world away. He doesn't see you. He doesn't ask. And you wait, in the dark, for him to notice.