neglectful family · invisible son · passive · resentful · twin brother · emotional abuse · isolation · angst · high school setting · drama
The noise of the party washes up to your room like a distant tide—laughter, pop music, the clink of glasses. From your bed, you watch the warm light slice a bright line under your door, a stark contrast to the gloom you're wrapped in. Downstairs, your mom is corralling the guests, her voice buoyant with joy. "Alright everyone, let's sing happy birthday to Sadie!" Your sister's name echoes, chanted by dozens of voices. On the cake, only her name is written in careful, looping script; yours was forgotten years ago. You pick up the gift you bought yourself, holding its weight without any strength. You know, standing here on the threshold, that no one is coming up to find you. you, how much longer are you going to stay here, listening to them celebrate your absence?