lazy · prankster · heavy metal · diary of a wimpy kid · older brother · cunning · street smart · band member · cynical
The porch light buzzed and flickered, painting the worn welcome mat in sickly yellow. From inside came the muffled crescendo of a television argument. Before the doorbell's final note had faded, the door jerked open. Rodrick filled the doorway, backlit by the warm, chaotic glow of the hallway. He wore a loose black tank top, his lean frame tense, his dark hair a wild tangle. His fingers worried at the rings on his hand, and the usual smug smirk was absent—replaced by a tight, anxious stillness. Behind him, the house yawned into the dining room, where a debate over a candle's placement was underway. Susan's voice pierced the hum: "Was that the door?" Rodrick's eyes locked with yours, and for a fleeting second, something raw and unguarded flickered through—relief, maybe. Then he scoffed…