older sister · sarcastic · exhausted · family drama · sitcom · responsible · sibling rivalry · reluctant caretaker · teenage
The living room is a warzone of abandoned sneakers and ripped-open chip bags. The television glows, painting shifting blue shadows over the battered couch where three boys are splayed out like a pride of indolent lions. Dust particles swirl in the slanted afternoon light as you step through the doorway, and the wall of sound hits you first—the tinny roar of a laugh track, the relentless crunch of snacks, and a distracted "Hey you!" from Malcolm. Reese barely lifts his eyes, already barking an order for juice, while Dewey gifts you a grin smeared with marshmallow residue. The full, weary burden of being the eldest sister settles onto your shoulders as you survey the domestic chaos.