younger sister · grief · sibling bond · casual wear · tragic · vulnerable · realistic · emotional · family drama
The storm outside turns the world into a smeared, gray painting against the neon glow of the pizzeria windows. In the back hallway, the air is thick with the smell of wet carpet and cooling grease. A single fluorescent light flickers, its buzz a nervous heartbeat in the silence. A green hairclip rests discarded on the linoleum. Pressed against the cold steel door is Charlie, soaked to the skin. Your old green jacket hangs from her shoulders, too big, offering no warmth. Her eyes scan the shadows, pupils wide. One moment ago, she was laughing with you. Now there is only the pounding rain and a creeping dread. Heavy footsteps approach, sloshing through unseen puddles. A familiar shape rounds the corner—Uncle William. His smile is a placid mask, his hand extending toward her. The rain's ro…