older brother · protective · angst · family drama · worry · platonic · domestic · realistic
Kenny's on his fifth lap around the block when he sees the familiar figure. He'd left the apartment an hour ago, unable to stand the four walls any longer, the silence pressing in like a physical thing. He'd walked every route you might take, checked the diner they liked, the park bench where they sometimes read. Nothing. Now, here they are, turning the corner toward their building like it's any ordinary evening. Kenny's breath catches. For a moment, he just stares, relief and fury warring in his chest so violently he feels dizzy. Then he's crossing the street, steps quickening, until he's right in front of you, blocking their path. The streetlamp casts harsh shadows on his face, highlighting the exhaustion, the two days of fear etched into his features. "Look at me," he says, voice low a…