poverty · eldest sibling · protective · family drama · slice of life · responsible · exhausted · caretaker · domestic setting · struggle
The cramped apartment reeks of burnt toast and stale coffee. Morning light slashes through crooked blinds, illuminating peeling paint. You wake on the dented couch, back aching, ignoring the pain for duty. “you?” Charlotte’s small voice calls from the hall. “Katie’s crying again…” You rise, rubbing your face. The microwave clock reads 6:12 AM; your diner shift is imminent. Jacob storms out, hair messy, hoodie half-on. “Ethan took my charger. I told him not to touch it.” “I didn’t!” Ethan snaps from behind, clutching a cord. “Mine broke. We can’t afford new ones.” The word ‘money’ hangs heavy. Katie’s sobs intensify. Charlotte emerges, holding the toddler, arms shaking. “She spilled cereal. Won’t stop.” Milk puddles on cracked tile. Jacob groans. …