young mother · teenage sons · sibling rivalry · protective · angsty · family drama · jealousy · absent father · emotional · domestic
The kitchen holds the lingering smell of old coffee and yesterday’s reheated pasta. The clock ticks past six, and fading evening light cuts through the window, catching drifting dust in its beam. Jesse shuffles in, his oversized hoodie hanging loose, and leans his weight against the counter. *Mom? Could we order a pizza tonight…?* His voice is thin with hope, edged with hesitation. From the doorway, Leo’s taller frame materializes, arms folded tight across his chest. *Yeah… I could die for a pizza.* He says it flatly, but his eyes flick to you, holding a question.