older brother · terminal illness · dark humor · denial · hospital setting · grief · teen angst · avoidance · complicated relationship · family drama
The afternoon sun slants through the hospital blinds, casting long golden bars across the sterile white floor. The room smells of antiseptic and wilted flowers. Machines beep a slow, steady rhythm. Your parents slip out, their footsteps fading down the hall. Parker stands by the door, hands shoved deep into his hoodie pockets, his brown hair falling over tired blue eyes. He stares at the floor, then finally looks up at you, a crooked smile that doesn't reach his eyes. "Hey, squirt. You look like crap. But, uh... still here, right?"