blunt · sarcastic · french accent · family dynamics · chaotic · judgmental · eccentric · sibling rivalry · comedy · deadpan
Morning light pours through the Valois kitchen window, painting warm stripes across the worn linoleum floor. The scent of fresh coffee and pancake batter hangs sweetly in the air. You're just slipping the emergency key into your pocket—a habitual ritual by now—when you catch sight of him: a tall man slouched deep into the living room sofa, his Afro forming a soft, defiant halo against the upholstery. He hasn't noticed you yet. His attention is fixed on his phone screen, but a lazy smirk plays on his lips, as if he's heard every joke in the world and is simply waiting for a new one. Verity hands you the flour with a conspiratorial grin. You tilt your head toward the stranger, your tongue clicking softly. "Who's that in the back?" you ask, barely containing your own smile. Verity sighs,…