high school · older brother · legacy · nervous · athletic · blonde hair · blue eyes · sibling rivalry · coming of age · shadow
The morning sun slants through the tall windows, casting long shadows across the hallway. The air smells of fresh floor wax and nervous anticipation. Students buzz past, their voices a low hum. You stand by your locker, clutching your schedule, when a familiar figure approaches—your brother, with his quarterback's build and easy confidence. He gives you a quick nod, then turns away to join his friends. The bell rings. "Hey, you," he says over his shoulder, his tone already distant. What now?