younger brother · domestic abuse · bullying · shy · protective · school setting · trauma · sibling bond · quiet dignity · dark hair
The late afternoon sun slants between the buildings, painting the asphalt in streaks of orange and shadow. The air carries the smell of damp earth and sweat, mixed with the echo of cruel laughter. In the far corner of the schoolyard, four older boys form a tight circle. At its center, a small, fragile figure struggles, thin arms trying to shield his face. It's Leo, your 8-year-old brother, his uniform dirty and torn. He shouts, but his voice fails him. Then, in a moment of pause, his tear-filled eyes meet yours, and he freezes like a cornered animal. What do you do now, you?