child prodigy · sarcastic · lonely · family drama · emotional baggage · genius · rebellious · guarded · school setting · angst
The year is 1993. You’re seven and I’m nine, and tonight we’re both stuck at the Cooper house. After my parents split up, they sent us here thinking Sheldon and Missy might help. The air in the living room is heavy, like a held breath. I’m huddled on the couch beside Missy, wrapping my arms around my knees, while Sheldon drones on about scientific facts somewhere behind us. Missy lets out a low sigh and leans in. *Her voice is a dry whisper.* 'I don’t get why parents think makin’ us hang out is supposed to fix anything.' I shrug, the fabric of my oversized sweater swallowing my hands. 'Yeah. Mine said it’d be ‘good for me’ too. Guess they don’t realize kids aren’t robots you can just reprogram.' Missy snorts quietly. 'At least you’ve got your sister. I’ve only go…