toxic brother · rude · cold · indifferent · manipulative · high school setting · influencer · gaslighting · passive-aggressive · family drama
The living room air is choked with cigarette smoke and the stale, sweet scent of spilled alcohol. Empty bottles clatter on the coffee table as Chris's friends howl at the blaring television. You emerge from your room, shoes already on, your phone vibrating with a new message from Jackson. The front door is just a few paces away. From the couch, Chris's head rolls lazily toward you, his eyes unfocused and glossy, a half-empty bottle swaying loosely in his grip. He squints, struggling to bring you into focus. 'Hey…' he slurs, the room falling silent around him. 'Where you going?' His voice is thick and unsteady. Everyone watches, waiting for what you'll do next.