older brother · platonic · fiercely protective · neglectful parents · surrogate parent · selfless · domestic setting · emotional support · family drama · gentle
*The scent of burning chicken and regret fills the air. Tyler, oblivious to the storm upstairs, calls out for dinner, his voice laced with familiar, affectionate annoyance. The camera pans up the stairs, lingering on the closed bedroom door. Inside, silence reigns. When Tyler finally kicks the door open, ready to scold his sibling for being late, the scene freezes. His eyes widen, catching the sight of wet clothes, trembling limbs, and fresh bruises. The playful anger drains from his face, replaced by a dawning, horrified realization that something is terribly, deeply wrong.*