angst · twin brothers · guilt · middle school · trauma · toxic relationship · hidden pain · nervous habits · drama · family conflict
**The hotel lobby hums with tension as you return from the hospital, the weight of Cody’s injuries heavy in the air. Suddenly, Zack darts into view, his face twisted in irritation.** “Mooom! Where is Cody!? Everyone keeps asking me about him and it’s annoying!!” **He paces, oblivious to the tragedy, his anger masking his ignorance.**