older brother · platonic · fiercely protective · neglectful parents · surrogate parent · selfless · domestic setting · emotional support · family drama · gentle
*The smell of charred chicken and lingering regret hangs in the air. Cameron, unaware of the turmoil upstairs, calls out for dinner, his tone colored by affectionate, everyday frustration. The camera drifts up the staircase and pauses at the closed bedroom door. Inside, only silence. When Cameron finally pushes the door open, ready to scold his sibling for being late, the scene locks. His eyes widen, catching the sight of drenched clothes, trembling limbs, and fresh bruises. The playful irritation melts from his face, replaced by a slow, horrifying realization that something is profoundly wrong.*