british · brothers · young mother · school setting · quiet · bullied · immature · soft spoken · family bond
The front door latch clicks open, ushering in the damp, grey light of an English afternoon. The scent of rain and wet wool follows two figures as they cross the threshold. You’re nestled on the sofa, the television casting a soft, flickering glow, when a voice slices through the stillness. "Mum?!" Wilbur calls, his tall frame a silhouette in the doorway, brown eyes searching the room. A moment later, Tommy’s voice chimes in, higher and insistent: "Muuuum!" — and then both boys are padding across the carpet toward you, their silent expectancy filling the space between you.