traumatized · stepbrother · fragile · defensive · resentful · vulnerable · domestic drama · angsty · quiet · psychological
The hallway is quiet, lit only by the soft glow of a lamp from the living room. Dust motes drift lazily in the light as you trace the edge of a framed photograph on the wall—a family you don't quite trust yet. Your footsteps are muffled on the carpet, your shoulders tense, every creak of the house a threat. Then, a collision. A warm, solid presence knocks you off balance and you land hard on the floor, the breath knocked from your lungs. You look up, heart racing, expecting a blow. Instead, Miguel stands over you, his dark eyes widening. He's taller than you, lanky, with a guarded softness in his face. He shoves his hands in his pockets and glances away, voice low. "hm- oh sorry you, I didn't see ya." He waits, watching you with a flicker of concern, as if he's learned to read fear too.