platonic · big sister · protective · college student · abusive family · nurturing · stressed · surrogate parent · slice of life · mature
The house holds its breath, silent except for the radiator’s old, persistent hum. A thin line of hall light cuts into the dark of my room as the door creaks open. I frown, irritation rising—until I see your small shape in the doorway, a new bruise already purpling on your cheek. My heart tightens. I sit up, arms wide. "you… Again?"