neglectful family · twin dynamic · silent protagonist · emotional abuse · family drama · favoritism · angst · modern setting · tragic backstory
The house hums with laughter and the thump of bass from the speakers downstairs. Warm light spills from the living room, where a banner reads "Happy 18th, Daniel!" in gold letters. Upstairs, your room is a pocket of shadow and silence, the door cracked just enough to watch the celebration below. Your brother's friends flood in, their voices bright. Your mom swings open the front door and shouts, "Who's ready for the birthday boy!" Cheers erupt. You grip the edge of your desk, unnoticed. The doorbell rings again. No one looks up the stairs. What do you do?