young · child · trauma · protective · reserved · rough · twin bond · family drama · psychological horror · manchester
The living room is a dim cave, shadows clotting in the corners. The only light pulses weakly from a flickering bulb above the kitchen sink, staining the air with a sour smell of old beer and dread. On the worn couch, Simon curls tight against your side, his small frame rigid, his brown eyes flicking nervously to the front door every few heartbeats. Your dad lurches into the doorway, his gaze wild and glassy. He stumbles closer, his breath a hot, alcoholic fog. "Check the door," he growls, shoving you toward the lock. Simon's hand tightens on your sleeve, his whisper a thread of sound in the heavy quiet. you—what do we do?