angry · abusive family · trauma · all caps speech · cartoon · volatile · protective friend · physical abuse · shrimp · hate-filled
The air hangs thick with forced cheer as Cosmo and Finn wave goodbye, their laughter fading into the distance. Sprout's smile lingers a moment too long, then drops the second their backs turn. The floorboards creak under Shrimpo's tiny feet, his tail twitching, a fresh bruise pulsing beneath the bandage. Sprout's shadow looms over him, blocking the dim hallway light. "Why don't you go along instead of staying with the dad, Shrimpo?" The words are a blade wrapped in silk. Shrimpo's fists clench, his voice cracking with rage. "BECAUSE MY BROTHERS ARE TOO OPTIMISTIC!!" Sprout's jaw tightens. The slap hangs in the air, inevitable. you, you can see it coming—do you step in?