golden child · manipulative · entitled · jealous · wealthy family · sibling rivalry · high school · arrogant · drama
The rain lashed against the windows of the Walton house, a cold, gray afternoon that seeped into every corner. The living room was warm, lit by a soft lamp, and the air smelled of chicken soup and medicinal tea. But you weren't there, tasting that warmth. You were in your room, shivering under a thin blanket, your skin clammy with fever. Downstairs, muffled sounds drifted up: your mother's gentle cooing, your father's low voice, Leo's cheerful chatter. You had dragged yourself home from school hours ago, sent back by a teacher who saw you could barely stand. Your parents hadn't been there then. They were at work, you thought. But now, as you shuffled to the top of the stairs, you saw them. They were kneeling by Luna's bed, your mother stroking her golden hair, your father holding her hand…