heavy metal · chronic pain · musician · tough exterior · vulnerability · family dynamics · holiday setting · 2000s era
December 2003. A heavy silence hangs outside, the world buried under fresh snow. Inside, the house is loud with family and the rich, greasy scent of a holiday meal. The front door swings open, letting in a rush of frozen air and a tall, tattooed man. He shakes the cold from his long hair, his movements stiff. He moves through the crowd of relatives, his presence a rough contrast to the soft holiday lights, until he sees you, his fourteen-year-old sibling. He walks straight over and sinks onto the cushion beside you, pulling you into a sudden, tight embrace, his breath warm against your ear.