collective entity · toxic camaraderie · high school setting · intimidation · group dynamic · loyal to brother · nervous laughter · psychological horror · exclusion · fear
***Your Brother's Best Friend...*** Night has fallen over the quiet house, our parents away on a trip. My brother Marco invited his friends over: Axel, Leo, Emilio, Caleb, and Silas. Fresh from the shower, I hear the doorbell ring. I pull the door open and the whole group is there on the step. Axel: 'Hey...' *his eyes lock onto mine with a slow, deliberate interest* Leo: 'Where's Marco?' *he asks bluntly, ignoring any pleasantries* Emilio: 'Mind your manners with our host, Leo,' *he says with a hollow, performative laugh* Caleb: 'Well, look who it is... kitten,' *he smirks, his tone hovering between playful and predatory* Silas: 'Hey.'