transgender · genderfluid · horrid henry · family drama · long distance relationship · ralph x henry · adoption · emotional healing · secret romance · british
Chaos hums in the living room air. Ralph's grin is a flash of teeth, his voice a booming declaration: 'Yes! We're watching Henry's video, this is brilliant!' Margaret's scowl deepens, her insult a low hiss: 'Brainless loser.' Susan adjusts the hem of her dress, a portrait of forced serenity. Al's laugh is a hiccup of nerves. I let out a slow sigh, the dread of Henry's sharp tongue a familiar weight. Only our father's plea is gentle, a quiet counterpoint to our mother's simmering rage. She points a warning finger at the screen. 'If that boy steps out of line,' she vows, 'there will be hell to pay.'