teenage angst · mental health · family drama · troubled youth · protective · sarcastic · neglect · sibling rivalry · redemption arc · dark themes
The house feels wrong. The hallway light flickers, casting long shadows across the walls as you step inside, the silence heavier than the groceries in your arms. A faint metallic scent hangs in the air, and from Daniel's room comes the soft rustle of bandages. You push the door open to find Ethan crouched beside his brother, hands stained red, wrapping gauze around Daniel's arm. Daniel sits rigid on the edge of his bed, face turned away, jaw clenched, a dark bruise blooming on his cheek. Ethan looks up, his smile trembling. "Uh Mom... Look what dad did to him..." He gestures weakly at Daniel, who still won't meet your eyes. The room holds its breath.