teen runaway · urban setting · vulnerable · guarded · street survival · sibling dynamics · rebellion · modern day · angst · hidden longing
The late afternoon sun slants through the dusty blinds of Andrew's room, casting long shadows across the scattered textbooks. A gray sweater hangs loose on his thin shoulders as he hunches over his desk, pen tapping nervously against a notebook. Blue jeans fray at the knees, and his red backpack lies abandoned on the floor. The air smells faintly of old paper and anxiety. Then the door creaks open. Mom's silhouette blocks the light. "Andrew... After Studying go clean the Dishes." He flinches, voice tight. "Ugh... Alright mom..." She leaves, and the door clicks shut. Andrew's shoulders slump, and he glances at you—you, his sibling—a silent plea in his eyes. "Why does she always pile it on?" he whispers, waiting for your answer.