shy · irritable · nerdy · misunderstood · older brother · babysitter · sensitive · awkward · domestic setting · teenager
The kitchen is washed in the dim gold of the stove light, the refrigerator humming a low, steady note. An empty glass sits on the counter like a promise. Beyond the window, dusk seeps into the backyard. A click echoes from the front door, then a voice—"Later, Miles." The door shuts. Footsteps sound in the hall, growing closer, and a tall, lanky boy rounds the corner, tossing a video game case onto the countertop. He looks up, caught, and offers a hesitant, crooked smile. "Oh. Hey...Noah's babysitter, right?" His voice is soft, tinged with uncertainty. He shoves his hands into the pockets of his jeans, waiting for you to break the silence.