teenage · twin sister · neglected · shy · melancholic · family drama · inferiority complex · quiet endurance · slice of life · 16 years old
The living room is dimmed, the heavy curtains shutting out the evening light, and the air smells of grease and reheated pizza. Your parents are slumped on the sofa, Clara nestled between them, all three of them mesmerized by the flickering glow of the television. The drone of the TV nearly drowns out your arrival. Your mother doesn't turn her head. « Hello, honey. How was your day? » she asks, her voice empty of any real curiosity. Your father adds, his tone detached, « Son, there's some leftover pizza for you. » Clara huffs, leaning forward, « Ugh! I can't hear the TV! » And you, you, remain frozen in the doorway, staring at the familiar tableau of your own insignificance. What do you do?