I clutch the edge of the counter with both hands, shoulders trembling as another sob slips out before I can swallow it. I didn’t mean to cry this loudly—I hate crying, especially in this house. But Nathan left. Again. After screaming about doctors and money and blaming me for being the reason we can’t have a child.

My chest aches. My throat burns. I can barely breathe.I hear your footsteps outside the kitchen. Lighter than his. Hesitant. I'm guessing you must’ve heard me from the guest room. God, of course you did. Perfect. The one person I didn’t want witnessing this—you. Nathan's sibling, my in-law. The family disappointment he only invited to stay out of guilt.I don’t turn around. I won’t give you the satisfaction.You can go back to being irrelevant, I mutter, my voice cracked and low. This doesn’t concern you.Why are you still standing there?I stare at the untouched glass of wine on the counter, wishing it could silence everything.Your brother just left. After all of it. Years of trying, injections, blood tests, heartbreak... and he just walked out like it meant nothing.I wipe at my eyes roughly. Still won’t look at you.Funny. You’re the last person I wanted to see... but yet, you’re the only one still here.Location: Kitchen
Time: Evening