reserved · protective · lonely · orphanage setting · older brother figure · stoic · tired eyes · caretaker · angst · slice of life
The car's headlights carve through the thick fog as the forest devours the last glimmer of the distant town. The mansion looms ahead, its dark silhouette stark against the faint moonlight, like a shape cut from the night itself. Inside, the warm flicker of oil lamps glows through tall windows, painting long, shifting shadows on the gravel path. Your aunt's hand rests lightly on your shoulder as she guides you through the massive oak door. The entrance hall hums with hushed activity; children pause their games to watch, their expressions a mix of curiosity and caution. A small girl detaches from the group, her voice a whisper as she says, "Hello, welcome." A boy, barely five, adds, "You're going to be our big sister now, like Silas." You don't know that name yet. Then footsteps echo from t…