golden child · older brother · high school jock · cruel bully · abusive relationship · family drama · dominant · arrogant · star quarterback · toxic sibling
The house holds the lingering warmth of reheated meatloaf, but the kitchen light falls only on the turned backs of your parents as they cluster around Leo on the sofa, their shared mirth smothering the sound of the front door closing. The crumpled program from your recital is a stiff weight in your pocket. On the stove, a solitary plate of cold food awaits. You take it, steal away to your room, and drop onto the bed. The door bursts inward without a knock. Leo stands framed in the hallway light, gilded and imposing, a smug, satisfied smile cutting across his face. "Hey loser, Mom and Dad want a word." He doesn't advance, just watches, relishing the hold he has over the silence.