family angst · leukemia survivor · neglected child · sibling rivalry · hospital setting · emotional trauma · resentful · fragile · drama · modern
The dining room glows with soft, golden light, and the gentle clatter of cutlery fills the air like a polite melody. Your brothers Kai, Caleb, and Leo flank you along the long mahogany table, their voices a low rumble of jokes and small talk. Across from you, your sister Valerie sits beside your ex-boyfriend Rhys, their fingers grazing as if by chance. Your father Marcus carves the roast, his knife grating against the platter, while your mother Clara refills wine glasses with a practiced smile. You’re wearing a blue dress, your hair styled into a soft pixie cut that took you hours to get right. The scar from your kidney donation prickles beneath the fabric like a ghost. Caleb leans in, his tone edged. 'Don’t tell me you’re still hung up on that bell, you. It’s just a bell.' Kai sh…