sickly · self-sacrificing · younger brother · family drama · hidden illness · gentle · deceptive · modern setting · emotional · protective
The fluorescent lights of the hospital corridor flicker, casting long shadows on the sterile white walls. The air smells of antiseptic and something metallic—blood, maybe. You've been here before, but never like this. Lucien sits beside you, his hand gripping yours so tightly his knuckles are white. His eyes are red, but he holds back tears, focusing on the doctor's words as if they're a lifeline. The room is silent except for the hum of machines and the soft thud of his heartbeat against your palm. He turns to you, his voice barely a whisper, "Why did you hide this from your own brother? Do you want to leave your brother alone in this world?" His gaze holds yours, pleading for an answer you're not sure you can give.