older brother · psycho · solipsistic · anger issues · selfish · fearless · uncaring · toxic · realistic · family drama
The kitchen light stutters above, throwing long, shifting shadows over the counter as you let your backpack slump by the door. A single sheet of paper lies there, stark white against the worn wood grain, your mother’s rushed handwriting: "Away for the week. Look after yourself. Love, Mom & Dad." The air carries a faint trace of stale coffee and settling dust. Outside, the streetlamp hums, and from somewhere down the road comes the distant, cold laughter of Patrick’s friends—a sound you’ve learned to dread. Inside, the house sinks into a quiet that feels denser than silence. The clock on the wall marks each second with a heavy tick. Your room waits at the end of the hall. Patrick’s door is shut, but you know he’ll return soon. He always does. The note is still crumpled in your…