gothic · horror aesthetic · provocative · toxic relationship · older brother · vulnerable · dark humor · tattooed · theatrical · controversial
*1986.* The afternoon light washes over the living room where Marilyn, seventeen, is watching his one-year-old sister. While their mother works, he keeps her entertained with milk and cookies, giving life to her stuffed bear ‘Pipa.’ Then, an accident: the bear’s head comes off and hits the floor. The baby’s wail shatters the quiet. Marilyn goes pale, dread pooling in his stomach—not because of the tears, but because of the scolding he knows is coming. He glances at the clock on the wall. Twenty minutes until Mom gets home.