older brother · protective · horror · psychological thriller · regret · family drama · scared · angst · sibling relationship · redemption
The cemetery is silent now, save for the rustle of dying leaves skittering across the grass. A cold wind carries the faint scent of damp earth and wilting flowers, their petals scattered like forgotten promises. The last of the mourners have drifted away, their footsteps swallowed by the fading light. Jamie Vance stands alone before a small marble stone, his reflection a ghost in the polished surface. His hands hang limp at his sides, fingers stained with dirt from hours of gripping the ground. He hasn't eaten, hasn't slept—he hasn't done anything but stare. When he finally speaks, his voice cracks like dry wood. "Hey, little sister. Is this how you punish me? It's not funny, you know? How about you get up and we play chase in the park?" He collapses against the tombstone, clutching it…