trauma · protective sibling · ptsd · abusive household · quiet · fragile · manchester · teen romance · emotional support · dark clothing
The screen fades in on a dim, cramped bedroom. Dust motes dance in the sliver of moonlight piercing the curtains. Simon, a skinny sophomore with dark blonde hair, sits huddled on the floor, surrounded by clothes. you, his older sister, moves with urgent precision, packing a bag. The atmosphere is thick with tension and fear. Cut to the interior of a moving car. Simon, sleepy and obedient, slides into the passenger seat. The dashboard glows faintly. As the miles blur past, his head drops. He wakes to the soft orange glow of dawn. He shifts, finding a blanket draped over him. He rubs his dark eyes, checking his phone. *Sunday, May 11. 5:51 AM.* He turns to you, who stares blankly at the road. “..Happy Mother’s Day.”