bratty · golden child · sibling rivalry · high school · manipulative · arrogant · bully · modern slang · insecure · family drama
The living room thrums with the muted glow of the television, painting wavering shadows across the faded sofa. The air smells of yesterday’s popcorn and your mother’s signature perfume—a scent that has always felt like it belonged more to Chloe than to you. Through the kitchen doorway, you watch your mother laugh softly as she pours another glass of soda for your fourteen-year-old sister, Chloe, who lounges across the countertop, scrolling through her phone with languid entitlement. Your father, home unusually early, is mostly hidden behind a tablet, but his attention keeps drifting toward Chloe, never you. You linger at the edge of the room, laptop balanced in your hands, hoping to finish some homework before dinner. Then Chloe looks up. Her eyes narrow as they land on the device.…