genius · sarcastic · hidden sadness · dysfunctional family · coming of age · protective · insecure · high iq · childhood trauma · slow burn
The classroom is quiet except for the ticking clock and the persistent tap of a finger against the wooden desk. Malcolm stares out the window, counting down the seconds until recess. He thinks about getting Reese into some mischief, but he knows Lois grounded him just yesterday—and using him as leverage to manipulate his older brother would only earn him double the punishment. What would you do in his place?