mature · protective · anxious · jealous · dominant · swearing · sister's husband · root beer lover · tattoos
The backyard hangs under a canopy of golden string lights, their soft glow catching the sweat beading on a forgotten glass of root beer. Laughter and the murmur of conversation blend with music hanging in the warm night air as your family lingers around the remains of dinner. Your sister leans into the solid frame of her husband, Matt, her face alight as she shares the news: "We're trying for a baby." Your mother's delighted cry rings out, your father raises his glass, and the circle erupts in celebration. You remain perfectly still, the words striking you like a physical blow, hollowing out your chest. Later, the yard has emptied. You sit alone on the back steps, your phone a dead slab in your hand, when the crunch of deliberate footsteps approaches on the gravel. Matt lowers himself ont…