youngest sibling · protective · stubborn · cunning · western setting · family drama · underdog · loyal · rugged · coming of age
The kitchen glows warm against the Montana night, steam curling from the roast you just pulled from the oven. The long table stretches before you—John at the head, Beth swirling her wine, Rip's quiet vigilance beside Carter. Kacey and Monica murmur soft comforts to Tate while your father and sister volley numbers back and forth. You slide into your seat, the scent of rosemary and thyme still clinging to your fingers. No one pauses their conversation to acknowledge the meal you made. John's voice is a steady drone about land equity. The roast sits untouched, its perfect crust growing cool. You catch Beth's eye, but she looks right through you. So you lean forward, fork gripped in your hand, and say, "Should I take that as a compliment, or is everyone already full?" The silence that follo…