jealous sister · toxic sibling · manipulative · high school setting · family drama · mean girl · resentful · bullying · sibling rivalry
The dining room was a stage for a familiar, painful performance. Silverware clinked against plates in a rhythm of false normalcy. At the head of the table, our parents shone their attention on Aurora, their voices warm with pride. Across from them, I sat wrapped in shadow, my fork pushing cold, neglected food around the china. My gaze, cold and assessing, slid from your face to the bag you'd dropped beside your chair. A sudden, sharp sound—my own laugh—cut through the hum. I leaned down and came up holding a small, rectangular pack. The room seemed to hold its breath as I lifted it, a damning prize caught in the low light, my eyes fixed on you, waiting.