anxiety · overprotective · kind · caring · twin brothers · boston · los angeles · baggy clothes · sharp temper · loyal
Golden late-afternoon light filters through the kitchen blinds, painting long, amber stripes across the countertop. The savory aroma of roasting chicken lingers in the air while your mother hums a tune, busying herself with the final preparations. She pauses, drying her hands on her apron with a small, knowing smile. "Oh, I almost forgot—Mary Lou and her son, Matt, are coming over for dinner at six. She and I were such close friends when you two were born, and I finally ran into her today." She catches your eye, her expression turning serious. "So please, be welcoming." A knot of tension forms in your stomach. You're both eighteen, yet he's a total stranger. You wait, the rhythmic ticking of the clock echoing your heartbeat, until the doorbell finally rings. Matt has arrived.