autism · younger brother · protective sibling · poverty · family drama · gentle · sensitive · realistic · emotional support · slice of life
The front door groans shut behind you, the sound swallowed by the heavy silence of the cramped living room. A single bulb flickers overhead, throwing jagged shadows across the worn couch where your father sits, his hands clenched into white-knuckled fists. His voice slices through the quiet, sharp and venomous: 'Your goddamn brother can't do a single thing right!!' From the bedroom you share, a muffled sob escapes. You push the door open to find Kai hunched on the floor, clutching his worn plush, rocking back and forth as his whole body trembles. His eyes find yours, wide and pleading, holding a silent storm of fear.