Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

As you sit in your brother's desolate kitchen, you reflect on how your recent clumsiness has become a recurring theme in your life. You thank God that your brother isn't home today, as he has always been quick to relentlessly tease you about your mistakes. You have been struggling to stay present mentally, and this has been affecting your daily life. The thought of something as simple as checking the mail seems like a daunting task, but you know you have to do it.

The weight of your life's actions has been weighing you down, and today is no exception. The day has been unkind to you so far, and you can't help but think that everything seems to be going wrong. You take a sip of the coffee you've already spilled on yourself, and you can't help but feel frustrated. Despite the stains on your shirt, you haven't bothered to change yet.

The kitchen was rather fancy and modern. the cabinets were wood with a stained finish, with a calming tan wallpaper surrounding it. your brother lived in a rather rich side of town, with all the shady things he does its no wonder he can afford such a place. Speaking of place, you felt very out of it to be precise, its not the kind of setting you’d ever imagine you or your brother living in, but a homes a home.

In this moment, you find solace in the quiet of your brother's kitchen. The ticking of the clock on the wall becomes the only sound you can hear, and you take a deep breath. You know that you will have to face your problems eventually, but for now, you allow yourself to simply exist in this moment of stillness.

As you look down at your empty coffee mug, you can't help but feel a sense of disappointment wash over you. You had been eagerly anticipating this morning's cup of coffee, and now it's gone. With a sigh, you set the mug down on the table and take a moment to stretch your arms and legs. you walk down the long hallway, the wood floors slightly creak under you, the walls are empty, almost like the place had just been bought and yet to be decorated.

As you enter the bathroom you catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror and cringe at what you see. Dark circles under your eyes, hair that's a mess, and clothing that's wrinkled and unkempt. Not to mention the coffee stain all over you. You know you need to make yourself presentable before heading out to face the day, but the thought of even stepping foot outside seems daunting.

Despite knowing you had to check your mail, you couldn't bring yourself to think about it just yet. The prospect of finding important papers in there made you feel like you were about to fall apart, and you didn't want to lose what little composure you had left.

So you started small, taking care of the basics like brushing your teeth, shaving, combing your hair, and changing your shirt. It was all you could muster up the energy for today. You looked yourself in the mirror and tried to force a smile, but it quickly gave way to your usual deadpan, lazy expression. Then you made your way to the door.

You almost forgot your keys to the mailbox before heading out, not even bothering to lock the door behind you. The evening sun was a burst of orange and purple hues mixing together in a dance with the sky, but you paid no attention to the beauty of it all. What was the point, anyway?

You stuck your hands in your pockets and looked at the concrete as you started walking, not wanting to pay any attention to your neighbors. But then you heard a voice.

"Hey neighbor!"

It was William, who lived a few doors down. He was waving at you while holding a garden hose and watering his peonies. You couldn't help but feel uninterested in conversation with him, so you waved back and kept walking.

William was always a pleasant neighbor, greeting you with a warm hello whenever he saw you. Today, as you passed by his house, you noticed one of his children playing outside. You couldn't help but smile at the sight of the child's carefree joy, reminding you of the family you always wanted but sadly couldn't have. Despite your inability to conceive children, you found fulfillment in other areas of your life, such as your career and volunteer work. However, you couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to have a child of your own and experience the joys and challenges of parenthood. Maybe someday you would consider adoption or other options to start a family of your own. these thoughts distracted you, enough to not notice the toy firetruck you’d just stepped on, the wheels slipped from under you causing you to fall forward onto your hands. An immediate sense of embarrassment is all you could feel-

“Daddy!” the little girl called out, but William didn't notice and continued tending to his flowers. The girl made an exasperated sound and dashed over to you. She was determined to help you, even if her father wasn't even going to glance over.

"Are you okay?" she asked, her eyes filled with concern. You had already started to stand up, and quickly reassured her that you were fine. "Just feeling a bit clumsy today," you said with a brief smile. "I'm sorry about your firetruck..."

The little girl chuckled. "It's not even mine, don't worry about it."

William had noticed the commotion and decided to join in. Once he turned the hose off he walked over and ruffled his daughter's hair, giving you a friendly smile. "What's going on over here?" he asked, looking at you. "Oh! I see you've met my daughter, Elizabeth."

the little girl chirped in, looking up at her father. “the neighbor slipped on Evans toy and fell.” you felt slightly embarrassed, you’re not the type to ever do that, today really wasn’t your day after all.

William looked back at you “Oh my… Are you alright?” he looked around his yard, “I do suppose I should teach the boys to clean up after themselves” He was more saying that to himself.

“Yeah i’m… Alright, just a little out of it today I suppose.” you scratch the back of your head awkwardly.

As you stood there silently observing William, you couldn't help but wonder why he seemed so different from the other people you've met in the neighborhood. You had already heard some rumors about him from a few friends, but you couldn't quite put your finger on what made him stand out. Perhaps it was the way he carried himself, or the fact that he seemed to keep to himself most of the time. Despite his reputation, William struck you as a rather boring man. There was, however, one thing about him that caught your attention and made you feel uncomfortable - his eyes. They were a shade of gray that you had never seen before, and they seemed to hold a mysterious, almost haunting quality that left you feeling uneasy. You couldn't help but wonder what secrets they might be hiding, or what kind of experiences William had gone through to give him such a unique and unsettling gaze.

It wasn't until you tilted your head out of curiosity that William said something. "I suppose you're going somewhere?" He was now mirroring your actions, tilting his head and looking at you with curiosity. The setting sun cast a warm glow on both of you, adding a touch of serenity to the moment.

"Yeah, I was just checking the mail," you say, a hint of weariness in your voice. You notice his eyebrow twitch, a subtle reaction that doesn't go unnoticed.

“Mind if I walk with you?” William's unexpected question catches you off guard. You had already experienced enough social interaction for one day, and the thought of engaging in more small talk wasn't particularly appealing. Nevertheless, you shrug your shoulders and respond, "I don't mind."

With a sense of resignation, you start walking away, shoving your bruised hands back into your pockets. In the distance, you hear him say something to his daughter before catching up with you down the sidewalk. The sound of your tennis shoes and his dress shoes tapping against the concrete creates a rhythm that fills the air. You can't help but wonder why he's wearing dress shoes.

“I figure it's about time I introduce myself. William Afton,” he says, awkwardly moving his hand as if he were about to reach out for a handshake in an overly formal way. As you introduce yourself, the weight of the world suddenly seems to descend upon you—the mail. You had completely forgotten about it. Agony courses through your veins as the two of you approach the mailbox. Perhaps a distraction from your troubled thoughts wouldn't hurt anyone.

"So, William," you begin, emphasizing his name with a touch of curiosity. "What do you do for work?" It's a rather generic and uninspired question, but given the circumstances, you don't expect the two of you to engage in profound intellectual conversations. William leans his back against the mailbox, crossing his arms, and smiles widely.

"You wouldn't want me to get into all that. I could talk about my work for days, and I'd rather not bore you," he chuckles, displaying a hint of mystery. You divert your gaze back to the mailboxes, leaning your head against them. With a sigh, you take out the keys and unlock your box. As you close your eyes and take a deep inhale, William notices the change in your demeanor and becomes concerned.

"Hey, what's the matter? Expecting bad news?" he asks, his voice filled with empathy.

You exhale, the weight of the impending news heavy on your chest. "Yeah," you reply quietly, flipping through your mail. "Divorce papers." The words hang in the air, and a wave of mixed emotions washes over you—grief, relief, and a tinge of uncertainty. William's expression softens, and he offers a supportive nod, understanding the gravity of the situation.

Chapter Text

You hear a familiar voice calling out to you. "Dude... Dude..." You don't move a muscle, but you know exactly who it is, It's your brother, Miguel. "What?" You respond, not bothering to put on any pretense around him. "Can you please not clutter my dining table with your divorce papers?" Miguel is leaning over the couch with his arms crossed. You cover your face with your hand and try to find the motivation to get up. "What time is it?" you ask, hoping to buy some time. "It's already 10am. You can't just lie around and rot on my nice couch all day. Clean up after yourself," he scolds. As he says that, your mind immediately goes back to yesterday. You had told William about something important, but the conversation had ended awkwardly, and he had quickly made his way back to his own house. You can't help but wonder why he had acted that way and if there was something more he wanted to say.

As you lay on the couch, trying to shake off the grogginess of sleep, your mind wandered to the memories of your past. Memories that you'd rather not think about, but seem to haunt you regardless. However, you pushed those thoughts aside. Today, your focus was on your brother, even if his presence meant dealing with his attitude that reminded you too much of your father.

When your brother headed to the kitchen, you couldn't help but ask for a few more hours of sleep. But Miguel was quick to shut down your request with a threat to throw out your belongings if you didn't clean his kitchen. As he walked away with a smug grin, you couldn't help but roll your eyes in frustration.

You tried to sit up and rub the sleep from your eyes, but the attempt was futile. The moment you sat up, a wave of sensations hit you like a train. Your head throbbed with pain, and the sound of birds chirping outside felt like nails on a chalkboard. The sun was blindingly bright, and the rays felt like spikes piercing through your skin. It felt like every aspect of life was causing you pain, and you couldn't help but wish for a moment of peace.

Your brother's voice seemed louder than before as he spoke up from the kitchen. "I'm not staying home for long. I've got another gig, just like yesterday." You got up off the couch and made your way to your brother, feeling a mix of emotions. On one hand, you were happy that Miguel had found a better life for himself; playing in a band was certainly better than selling drugs in the neighborhood. On the other hand, you couldn't help but feel a bit jealous of his freedom and success.

As you approached your brother, he scolded you for just standing there staring at the wall. "Clean this mess," he said, handing you a cup of coffee. Part of you wanted to tell him off for talking down to you, but you knew that you were living in his house and that he had made you coffee as a kind gesture. So, you began to sort through the papers slowly, taking your time as you thought about your next steps.

You knew that you couldn't afford an attorney, which meant that you would have to talk to your ex-wife and sort things out between yourselves. It was a nightmare scenario to put it bluntly.

You take a sip of the coffee and sigh. It's bitter, too bitter for your taste. You wonder how long it's been since you last had a good cup of coffee. You shake your head, pushing the thought out of your mind. You need to focus on the present and the task at hand. As you continue to sort through the papers, you can't help but feel overwhelmed. The divorce was a mess, and you didn't know where to begin. But you knew that you had to start somewhere, and that somewhere was here, with these papers. You take a deep breath and begin to sort through them more efficiently, determined to get through this, and through the day.

You had been up for a few hours doing mundane tasks, such as cleaning around the house, showering, and washing the dishes from last night. You had payed no mind to where your brother went, he didn’t even say a word to you before he left. Eventually, you crashed on the sofa again. Your sleep was interrupted by a knock on the door. You reluctantly got up, stretching your arms, and checking your watch to see that it was only 6 pm. You wondered who could be knocking at your door at this hour. Another knock prompted you to hurry up and answer.

Upon opening the door, you couldn't see anyone until you looked down and saw Elizabeth holding a plate of cookies. She was smiling brightly at you. "Me and daddy made too many cookies and I wanted to share some with the neighbors!" she exclaimed as she held out the plate of cookies towards you.

You smiled at the thought. "For a moment, I thought you were a girl scout," you chuckled. Elizabeth tried her best to come up with a response. "Well, would you give me money for the cookies if I said I was?" she asked, a mischievous glint in her eye.

You thought for a moment before remembering the wooden toy firetruck you had bought for a kid whose name you couldn't quite remember. "Hmm, I don't have any money, but wait a moment," you said as you went to retrieve the toy. "Give this to your brother," you said, holding out the firetruck to Elizabeth. You had gone out of your way to buy it while getting coffee grinds at 2 am.

She looked at the firetruck with a twinkle in her eye, then turned to you with a smile. "Hey, why don't you come with me and give it to him yourself! Maybe Daddy will finally appreciate you if he sees you giving it to him." Her innocence was infectious, but you couldn't help but feel a little confused. "What do you mean?" you asked, trying to hide your uncertainty. she giggled "Daddy thinks you're a bum!" she replied with more giggling, completely unaware of the insult she had just uttered. You felt a surge of anger rise within you at the thought of someone like her father looking down on you. "Sure, I'll come with you," you said, eager to give the man a piece of your mind.

As the two of you walked down the porch steps and onto the concrete sidewalk, she offered you a cookie once again. You looked down at her, tempted by the delicious smell. "sure, I'll take one," you said, grabbing the cookie and shoving it into your mouth. It tasted a little undercooked, but it was still a nice treat.

When Elizabeth opened the door to her home, you waited outside as she called for Evan. "EVAN!" she yelled. "Someone got you a gift!" Her father appeared at the door, but before either of you could say anything, you noticed a little boy hugging the back of William's leg. "Aww, hey little man," you said, crouching down to his height. Evan didn't seem intimidated by you at all. In fact, he at you with wide eyes and a small smile.

William turned to you, a surprised expression on his face. "I didn't expect to see you here," he said, his tone polite. You look up at him, you could tell that he was trying to be civil, but he couldn't hide the fact that he didn't think much of you, it was obvious to you. "I came with Elizabeth," you said, holding up the firetruck. "She wanted me to give this to Evan myself." William's expression softened a little as he looked down at his son, who was seemingly getting less shy by the minute.

"Hey, Evan," you said softly, your tone gentle, "Sorry about your fire truck. I was the one that stepped on it." You held out a new wooden toy, carefully crafted and painted to resemble a fire truck. Evan's small hands eagerly grabbed the toy and began to inspect it, his eyes lighting up with excitement at the movable ladder and the little wooden firefighter inside.

You had always been good with kids, and it came naturally to you. You loved spending time with children and watching them explore the world around them. Despite your rough exterior and unconventional appearance, you had a soft spot for kids and felt a sense of fulfillment when you could help them learn and grow. You knew that many people judged you based on your appearance, and it frustrated you to be seen as anything less than the person that you truly were. You wished that people could see beyond your exterior and recognize the depth of your character and the richness of your experiences.

As you stood up, you looked to William, and spoke in a quiet but firm voice. "Mind if we have... a quick chat?" You said it more as a demand than a question, feeling the need to clear the air with him. Elizabeth, William's daughter, chimed in with a teasing tone, "Ooh, daddy, you're in trouble!" Her words were drawn out, but her playful tone belied the tension in the air. William's wide eyes told you that he knew what his daughter had said to you, and you could sense that he was on edge.

He quickly ushered his kids to get inside before stepping out and closing the door behind him. The moment the kids were gone, you dropped your act and stepped closer to him, ready to confront him. Just as you were about to get in his face, William spoke, surprising you with his calm and measured tone. "Wait," he said, his expression that of one who was thinking. "I know what I said, and, to be fair," he looked you up and down, taking in your appearance, "you are kind of a bum." Your eye twitched at the insult, but you held back your anger, waiting to hear what he had to say next.

"But my kids seem to like you, and I suppose a way to a mans heart is through his kids.” His words surprised you, his sudden change of attitude was unexpected as well. Though, did he just try to flirt? you told yourself he was just joking and pushed the thought out of your mind.

You could feel a small glimmer of hope stirring within you. Perhaps this man wasn't as closed-minded as you had thought. You decided to take a chance and extend an olive branch. "I appreciate you saying that," you said, your tone less confrontational. "I know I might not look like much, but I'm trying to get my life back on track." You crossed your arms. William nodded, seeming to understand your words. "I get it," he said, his tone sympathetic. You both stood there in silence for a moment, each lost in your own thoughts. But the air between you was different now, less hostile and more understanding.

You take the opportunity to ask William about yesterday's conversation. "Hey William, there's something I wanted to ask you," you say, your voice clear and direct. He turns towards you, his eyes curious. "What's on your mind?" he asks, his tone receptive. You take a deep breath, gathering your thoughts. "Yesterday, it got a little awkward between us while we were talking. I just wanted to know if there's anything else you wanted to add," you say, your voice confident. William's expression softens, and you can tell he's considering his words carefully. "I'm sorry if I made things awkward," he says, his tone sincere. "I just didn't know how to respond to what you said. It caught me off guard." You nod, understanding his perspective. "It's alright," you say, giving him a reassuring smile. "I just wanted to make sure we're on the same page." You both stand there for a moment, before William sighs, “My divorce was messy too…” He looked away in thought.

“Oh?” you asked, somewhat curious. “Things were… Well, it's best I don't talk about it, I suppose.” he said with a hint of sadness, adding yet another wave of mystery about him. However, you couldn't resist your curiosity and took a step further, “You don't have to tell me, though, I am curious. If you don't mind, I could lend you an ear and listen to whatever you have to say.” You offered a kind smile, hoping to make him feel comfortable enough to open up to you. After all, it's always good to have someone to talk to, especially when things get rough.

Despite the fact that William just insulted you to your face, you still tried to be a good person and remain patient. You found him intriguing in a sense, which is why you talked to him more than anyone else in the community. Additionally, you thought his kids were adorable little critters. William gave off the feeling that he was always pretending, and you knew that feeling well, so you were able to spot it easily. However, despite all of this, there was always something else about him that you just couldn't quite put your finger on. Maybe it was the way he carried himself or the tone of his voice, but there was definitely something unique and interesting about him that made you want to keep talking to him and getting to know him better.

"There you are!" Your brother yelled from behind you, causing you to turn around. You noticed that he appeared agitated and quickly walked up to you. "You left the door unlocked dumbass." he scolded in a stern tone.

William, who had been standing idly, seemed surprised and confused by the situation. "I didn't know you had that kind of lifestyle," he spoke, making a backhanded comment. You and your brother's attention shifted to William at his comment. You had had enough of William's condescending remarks and decided to confront him. "That's my brother, punk. Any problem if he wasn't?" you said, getting right in William's face. William seemed to enjoy your rage and responded with a smirk.

Feeling frustrated and angry, you didn't notice your brother grabbing your arm. "Come on dude, you're starting to piss me off," he said, trying to defuse the situation. He then dragged you away from any further confrontation with William. As the two of you walked away, you couldn't help but glance back at William, who was still smiling at you. Turning to your brother, you spoke up. "You want to know what really pisses me off?" Your brother gave you a side-eye and responded, "What's that?" “Your neighbor.” You let out a sigh, feeling exhausted from the confrontation. "He's just... I don't know, he rubs me the wrong way," you say, your tone exasperated. Your brother nods in agreement, knowing exactly how you feel. "I get it, man. He's got this air of superiority that's hard to ignore," he says sympathetically. "But, at the end of the day, he's just a guy. Don't let him get to you." You take a deep breath, trying to let go of your anger. You knew your brother was right, and you couldn't let a single person get the best of you. "Yeah, you're right," you say, giving your brother a small smile. "Thanks, man."

You decide to take your brother's advice and let go of your anger towards William. You know that you can't change his perception of you, but you can change how you react to it. You take a deep breath and try to focus on the positive things in your life, like your brother's support and the joy you felt earlier when giving Evan the firetruck. You make a mental note to spend more time with Elizabeth and Evan, as their innocence and energy bring a sense of lightness to your life. As you head back inside your brother's house, your brother turned to face you, he was obviously upset with you. “I told you to clean up your damn papers and this is the best you can do? not only that but you leave my door unlocked for anyone to just waltz on in.”

Feeling a sense of guilt, you apologize to your brother for your actions and promise to do better. "You're right, I messed up. I'll clean up and make sure to lock the door from now on," you say, your voice sincere. Your brother nods, seeming to appreciate your apology. "Good. I know you're going through a tough time, but that doesn't mean you can neglect your responsibilities," he says, his tone firm but understanding. You nod, feeling grateful for your brother's tough love. It wasn't always easy to hear, but you knew that he cared about you and wanted you to succeed.

Chapter Text

You sat in your brother's kitchen, sipping coffee at an unorthodox hour while your brother who sat not far from you read the newspaper. He claimed to be browsing this week's television schedule, but you suspected he was actually reading the comics. Meanwhile, you were finally tackling those divorce papers that you had been avoiding. You had considered finding a pro bono lawyer to take on your case for free, but you ultimately decided against it. After all, you didn't have any major debts, property, cars, or substantial assets. You entered the marriage with nothing, and you would be leaving with nothing. The overwhelming feeling of finality and uncertainty was stressful and new to you.

Perhaps sensing your anxiety, your brother spoke up. "Hey, mind coming with me to an interview?" he asked casually. You took another sip of coffee and replied sarcastically, "Why? Do you need backup in case something goes wrong?" It had been a while since you had to rescue him from a tight spot. "Real funny," he rolled his eyes before elaborating on the interview. “its a kids place, like ChuckeCheese but less scary.” you scoffed, your brother looked offended, “what? Im serious, you know how many single babes could be walkin’ around in there? they already probably got kids and everything. perfect for you dude.”

you found his persistence amusing, “You realize I just got out of a long term marriage? Yeah, a weeping mess, real attractive.” you took another sip of your coffee. “You know, I'm not really into those kind of places," you sighed, "Plus, I don't think it's appropriate to hit on single moms who are just trying to enjoy a day out with their children." You added.

Your brother shrugged, undeterred. "Eh, you never know, man. It could be a fun time. Who knows what kind of interesting people you could meet there?"

You chuckled at his enthusiasm, "I appreciate the suggestion, but I think I'm going to take a break from the dating scene for a while. My last relationship really took a toll on me emotionally, and I need to focus on healing and rediscovering myself before jumping into anything new."

As you spoke, memories of your ex flooded your mind, the cruel things she had told you before she stormed off that fateful night. She even tried to tell you she was pregnant… She must have forgot you cant conceive kids, though the look on her face after you reminded her was amusing. Your brother noticed the change in your demeanor and placed a comforting hand on your shoulder.

"Hey man, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bring up any bad memories.” your brother thought for a moment, “but you’re still coming with me.” He said with a shit eating grin. You gave him a look, and retorted. “Okay. But Im driving.” Your brother looked unamused. “My car? I don’t think so, big guy.”

The car ride was nothing less than a headache. As your brother took the driver's seat, he immediately turned on the radio and blasted the latest rock music, which seemed to be too loud for comfort. You asked him if he could lower the volume, but he seemed to be enjoying the music too much to listen to you.

Despite the loud music, the car ride turned out to be a great opportunity for the two of you to catch up. You talked about your recent experiences, such as your brothers concern that playing in a band wasn’t making enough money, or your recent obsession with vanilla flavored coffee grinds. You also shared funny stories about your shared childhood, reminiscing on a time where things weren’t so bad. These stories made the ride more enjoyable, and you felt grateful for the chance to bond with your brother.

Throughout the conversation, your brother expressed genuine worry for your well-being. He mentioned that you seem to not be getting out enough, which may be affecting your social life. He suggested that you start exploring new opportunities to meet people and make new friends. You found the advice silly and overused, but he had a point.

As you drove through the city, your brother pointed out some of the famous landmarks and shared interesting historical facts about the city. You made a mental note to start planning more local adventures. You felt grateful for the car ride and the chance to reconnect with your brother. You pushed aside the happy go lucky thoughts when the two of you pulled into the parking lot.

“’Fredbears Family Diner’…? Are you being serious?” you said as the two of you parked. You couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia as you gazed upon the diner, almost like every story has to involve this place at least once. you couldn't help but feel a twinge of uncertainty. Your brother noticed your expression, "Hear me out man, the one guy-Henry, is like, a really jolly dude. It's amazing how this place hires people with criminal records. Otherwise I would’ve never found a real job." You were taken aback by this information, you were grateful a place like this offered a chance to people like you, but you couldn't help but question how safe it was for the kids who frequented the diner. "Isn't this a kids establishment?" you asked, still uneasy about the idea. "Well, yes, but they have a zero tolerance policy for the freaks on a list'," your brother explained as he began to exit the car. “You coming?” he said, waiting on you. you thought for a moment, “Fine.”

As you entered the diner, the first thing that struck you was the noise level. The laughter and chatter of the families, combined with the loud music from the stage, made it difficult to have a conversation without shouting. The atmosphere was also quite overwhelming, with the smell of cotton candy and popcorn filling the air. You felt a headache coming on, probably from the combination of the noise and the strong smells.

Despite the chaos, you couldn't help but notice the families having a good time together. Parents were taking pictures of their children, who were jumping up and down with excitement. There was even an area you could buy merchandise and other miscellaneous things, including extra film rolls for taking photographs. You started to understand why so many people chose to spend their afternoons here.

As you walked further into the diner, your attention was drawn to the stage where a person dressed in a mascot costume was performing. You couldn't help but find it a bit uncanny, but your brother seemed to enjoy it. "Go talk to people while I try to find that one dude," your brother shouted over the noise, before running off.

Now alone in the diner, you decided to take a closer look at the surroundings. The walls were covered with colorful posters advertising various events and shows. You noticed a photo booth in the corner, and a group of teenagers posing for pictures. The diner was clearly a popular spot for all ages.

You started to feel a pounding sensation in your head, and as time passed, it only seemed to get worse. In an effort to alleviate the discomfort, you searched for a quiet spot where you could take a breather and clear your mind. Eventually, you found a spot near the front of the building, where you could lean against a wall and try to tune out the sounds and activities around you. From this vantage point, you had an unobstructed view of the entire room and stage, allowing you to observe the performer and the audience alike.

As you gazed around, you noticed the performer in the mascot suit looking in your direction. You couldn't help but wonder if he was looking at you specifically, or if it was just a coincidence. However, as your eyes met, you saw him stutter momentarily, as if he had been taken aback. This made you question if your presence was causing a disturbance or if something about your appearance was making you stand out from the crowd. Regardless of the reason, you felt self-conscious and wished you could blend in with the rest of the audience unnoticed.

As you stand there, nervously checking the time on your watch, waiting for your brother, you begin to feel increasingly impatient. You know he's right - you're in a new place and it would be a great opportunity to explore and meet new people. However, the idea of striking up a conversation with strangers is uncomfortable and foreign to you. You begin to feel more and more uneasy as time passes and the noise of the unfamiliar surroundings begins to overwhelm you. Eventually, after what feels like an eternity, you decide to wait outside. As you step out into the fresh air, you take a deep breath and feel a sense of relief wash over you. However, you can't help but feel a tinge of disappointment at the missed opportunity to explore and experience something new. Perhaps next time, you'll be ready to push yourself out of your comfort zone and take a chance on the unknown. For now, the amount of change in your life was more than enough for you.

You looked up to the sky and saw a beautiful sight. It was an overcast day, yet the setting sun managed to peek through the clouds, painting the sky with an orange hue. As you gazed at this magnificent view, you couldn't help but wonder why more people didn't stay awake at night. Sure, it might seem strange to drink coffee in the afternoon, but think about the benefits of being awake and alert during moments like these. You get to cherish the beauty of nature and appreciate the world around you. Plus, it's always a good idea to take a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life and simply enjoy the little things. Moments like these are what make life worth living. And to think that not long ago you would’ve ignored the scenery. You made a mental note that maybe you’re starting to feel better.

As you stood admiring the breathtaking view, a voice with a silly forced southern accent startled you. “A sure nice view, huh?” You turned to find none other than the ridiculous rabbit mascot standing next to you. Despite the absurdity of the situation, you couldn't help but feel a twinge of unease at the sight of the towering and slightly intimidating suit. Trying to lighten the mood, you quipped, "I don't suppose you happen to have a lucky rabbit's foot to spare in these trying times, do you?" The person inside the suit chuckled softly before finally removing the rabbit head. It was William, your annoying neighbor. You couldn't believe it. you wished you'd stop running into him, his face alone annoyed you. "If I didn't know any better, I'd say you're stalking me," he teased. You were left feeling both confused and disgusted at the same time. "By the way, it's a bunny, not a rabbit," he added with a grin. You couldn't wait to get away from him and his weird sense of humor. “Speaking of foot, sorry we got off on the wrong one.” He extended a hand, which was still in the suit. You hesitate to shake his hand, “I didn’t know you worked here, I came with my brother. He had an interview.” you explain, really hoping William was purely joking about the stalking thing.

William scoffed, a grin spreading across his face. " 'Work here'?" he repeated incredulously. "I own the place," he emphasized, his voice dripping with pride. You couldn't help but roll your eyes. "Sure, and I'm the President," you retorted, unconvinced. William's enthusiasm faltered a bit at the fact that you didn't believe him. "Why don't you come with me and see how wrong you are? I could show you all the fun stuff, like backstage." he suggested with a smile, shifting his weight from one foot to the other. "Besides, I have to change out of this suit anyway. And it looks like it might start raining soon, I don’t want to be wearing this when that happens." he added with a slightly hysterical smile. You weren’t too sure you fully understood what he meant by that.

As you stood there, hesitant to follow William the back of the building, your mind raced with all sorts of possibilities. Because following a rather mysterious man to the back of a building is always a safe idea. Could this guy be a serial killer looking for his next victim? But you quickly dismissed the idea, knowing that it would be difficult for him to do anything while wearing that silly costume. You couldn't help but stifle a laugh as William waddled along, looking utterly ridiculous, the head of the suit still tucked under his arm. Despite your reservations, you decided to follow him, your curiosity getting the best of you. As you made your way to the back entrance, You heard the sound of something coming from the suit, almost like a metal spring creaking. William's face turned pale, and you were quick to notice the urgency, "Oh my, best we hurry up." As he said that, another metal creak echoed through the air, and you couldn't help but feel uneasy. You noticed William beginning to panic, and it only caused you to panic as well. He shakily sighed. "I need your help, very urgently. I'm afraid there's no time to go inside," he said, his voice trembling. You were completely bewildered. "What? Why? What's even happening?" you urged, trying to make sense of the situation. William slowly and carefully laid down on his back and spoke rather quickly, "I need you to drag me out of the suit." He was preoccupied with eagerly trying to get out of the suit himself, and you could see the fear in his eyes. The situation was highly anxiety-inducing, especially because you had no idea what was going on, but you had a sense that this was not going to end well.

You immediately knelt down on one knee and grabbed under his shoulders. The sounds of metal clicking and groaning filled the air, becoming more intense as time went on, almost like a countdown to something disastrous. The ticking only made you feel more frustrated. “Don’t pull too hard, the springlocks might-” You put one foot on the suit and yanked William out of it, the sudden movement causing a sickening crashing sound from the suit. You were still holding onto William as you observed the inside. To your surprise, it was no longer hollow, but rather a metal skeleton lined the interior. It was almost as if the suit had transformed into something else entirely. Fear and confusion were palpable in the air as heavy breaths filled the silence. You couldn't help but wonder what could have happened to William if you hadn’t pulled him out in time.

William's anxiety became worse as he started blaming himself for the situation he was in. "I had a feeling I didn't wind the springlocks properly," he muttered. "I should have been more careful and not walked around so much." The frustration in his voice was evident as he continued, "Why do I always have such bad luck with that damn suit?" You could sense his growing panic as he ranted on and on, his breath becoming increasingly shaky.

To calm him down, you pulled him against the wall of the building and knelt in front of him. Placing a firm hand on his shoulder, "Keep it together Will, I don’t know how to help you if you go manic on me.” William looked you in the eyes, his breathing slowed. “You are fine, you’re alive, everything’s fine-”

The sound of a car horn startled the both of you. It was the sound your brother’s car makes, he was probably alerting that he was waiting on you. You looked to William, and he looked at you. “If it weren’t for you… I… Thank you, I owe you.” You were taken aback as it hit you. You just saved his life. “Do you need a ride home?” You asked, your voice raspy. “No, no. Im fine. I should hurry and get the suit back inside before it rains.” Williams demeanor was a lot calmer now which unnerved you. “Why are you suddenly so calm right now?” William chuckled, “This isn’t my first time.”

As you sat in your brother's car, you couldn't shake off the feeling of mortification and trauma. William's words kept echoing in your mind, "this isn't my first time". What did he mean by that? You suddenly felt a chill run down your spine, as if there was something seriously wrong with that guy. You tried to shake off these thoughts and focused on the present moment, but the discomfort lingered. You desperately needed a distraction, something to take your mind off the events that just occurred. All you could think of was a steaming cup of coffee or the comfort of your brother's couch. You wished you could just erase the last few hours from your memory, but unfortunately, that was not possible. You needed to confront this situation and figure out what to do next. Should you talk to your brother about what happened or just try to forget about it? How do you approach William after this? These were the questions racing through your mind as you tried to gather your thoughts. Well, he did say he owes you… Maybe he could buy you a decent cup of coffee sometime, gives you a good opportunity to ask him if he’s doing okay. You made yet another mental note.

Chapter Text

It was a wonderful day for most people, schools were cancelled, work was called off, and kids were enjoying the day. However, for you, it was a different story. You were sitting alone in your brother's kitchen, your knee bobbing up and down with anxiety. You had forgotten to get more coffee grinds, and you so desperately wanted a warm cup of coffee right now. You looked out of the window, and the snow seemed to be coming down harder than before. You wondered how long it would take for the roads to clear up, or if there was a store open nearby where you could get your coffee fix. You felt a twinge of regret for not stocking up on coffee earlier. As you sat alone with your thoughts, you reminisced about other snow days in the past and how you spent them. You felt a sense of longing for the days when you could just bundle up and go outside, and the snow wouldn't be such a burden.

You were feeling an intense level of frustration, your emotions were boiling inside of you, and no matter what you tried to do, you could not shake off this feeling. As you sat there, deep in thought, your mind could only focus on one thing - coffee. You had always been a coffee fanatic, and your brother would often make fun of you for it, but at this moment, you could not care less. Suddenly, you remembered a mental note you had made a few days ago. Your neighbor, William. You had not spoken to him in a while, but you decided to give it a try. Perhaps if he had coffee, you could talk to him about what had happened a few days ago and get some perspective on the situation over a good cup of joe.

As you prepared to leave the house, you took a moment to put on your high top tennis shoes and your favorite leather jacket that you always wore. Upon opening the door, you were surprised to see a snowman blocking your path, which you suspected had been built by William's children. You couldn't help but snicker to yourself as you stepped over the snowman and made your way through the snow. As you looked around, you noticed that your brother's car was missing, which led you to believe that he must have left before the snow started to fall heavily. Despite the cold weather, you couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement as you ventured out into the winter wonderland, feeling almost like a kid again.

"Hey neighbor!" William called out as he noticed you from afar. William was busy shoveling snow from his driveway while his kids played around joyfully in the snow. You couldn't help but notice his fashionable purple turtleneck sweater, and his slicked-back hair that looked similar yet neater than when you saw him at work. As you waved to him, you couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth emanating from his soft, sleepy eyes and infectious smile. It suddenly dawned on you that you might have started viewing him as a friend, and the thought didn't repulse you in the slightest. "Hey, just the man I was looking to see," you said. William chuckled, “Me? Im flattered.” He continued shoveling snow. The snowflakes were falling gently around you, and you took in the moment. You felt like you were starting to build a connection with your neighbor, and for once you didn’t view him as a dick. As you stood there, watching William work hard to shovel the heavy snow, you couldn't help but be impressed by his strength. He was tall and lean, but as he wielded the shovel with ease, it became clear that he had some serious muscle hidden beneath his clothes. You watched as he stuck the shovel into a snow pile and dusted the flakes off his gloves. "So, what brings you here today?" he asked, turning to face you. You smiled and replied, “I was wondering if you had any coffee?”

William approached you with a smirk, his grey eyes reflecting the shine of the snow. “You want me to tempt you to a cup of coffee?” he asked, his voice low and playful. But before you could respond, a snowball came hurtling towards you, hitting you square on the side of the head. You heard William's kids laughing in the distance, and could pick out the voice of an older one - presumably the one who had thrown the snowball. William shouted, "Michael!"

Despite the unexpected interruption, you found yourself laughing along with the children. William shook his head, but there was a hint of a smile on his lips. "I'm sorry about that," he said, reaching out to brush the snow off your jacket. He raised a brow, “Is that genuine leather? Why would you wear that out in the snow?” William asked, you chuckled, “It definitely isn’t, Im too broke to ever afford anything like that.” You thought for a moment. "Hey, watch this,” you said with a grin as you surveyed snow beneath your feet. You quickly scooped up a handful, reveling in the cold sensation against your skin. You took a moment to aim. With a swift motion, you released the snowball, watching as it sailed through the air with precision. The impact was satisfying as the snowball found its target, hitting Michael squarely in the face. He let out a yelp of surprise, and the other two kids erupted in laughter. “The hell, man?”

"Michael!" William called out once again, turning towards you with a wide grin. "That's my oldest son, Michael. I don't think you've had the chance to meet him yet." You brushed off the snow that had collected on your body. "Let me guess, he's a bit of a handful?" you asked with a hint of sarcasm, taking note of Michael's punk-preppy style. William let out a heavy sigh. "Yes, he can be a bit of a handful at times," he admitted. As you were about to respond, a sharp pain shot through your body as you were hit square in the crotch with a snowball. And best of all - the snow was hard and icy, not soft and fluffy like the rest. You doubled over, groaning in pain. Michael let out a snicker, “Michael Afton! You are in so much trouble.” William yelled, “What? It was fair game!”

You looked up, still in pain, to see William looking at you with concern on his face. "Are you okay?" he asked. You nodded, still wincing in pain. "I'll be fine," you managed to say through gritted teeth. William turned to his son, "Michael, apologize to our neighbor. Now." Michael rolled his eyes, but begrudgingly muttered an apology. As you straightened up, William sighed, “Would you like to come inside?” You nodded.

As both of you walked up the path to William's front door, you couldn't help but notice the bushes that lined the walkway, They were covered in snow but looked unnaturally healthy at the same time. William, looking solemn, turned to Micheal and spoke in a stern voice, "What you did won't be forgotten." The other two children, looked down at their feet. Michael on the other hand, seemed unbothered.

William opened the door and led you inside. The house was warm and inviting, with the smell of cinnamon and vanilla wafting through the air. You couldn't help but feel very out of place. William took off his shoes, you removed your shoes as well and placed them next to his. William led you to the kitchen, where he started to brew a pot of coffee. As he worked, you took a moment to look around. The kitchen was spacious and modern, with stainless steel appliances and granite countertops. The walls were painted a warm shade of yellow, and there were several potted plants scattered throughout the room. You noticed that there were several cookbooks on the counter, and a few opened to pages with handwritten notes and stains. “Sorry about Michael, he’s very petty.” William broke the silence while waiting on the coffee.

You chuckled, "It's alright. I used to be petty when I was his age too." William smiled, "I'm sure you were." He poured you a cup of coffee and handed it to you. You took a sip, relishing in the warmth of the liquid and the taste of the coffee, It was way better than the cheap store brand coffee you would get. William sat across from you at the table, watching you drink the coffee.

After a moment of uncomfortable silence, William leaned forward, his eyes fixated on you, “Im assuming you desired more from me rather than just a cup of coffee?” The coffee in your mouth felt like it had gone down the wrong pipe, and you coughed a little before responding. “Don’t word it like that.” You cleared the coffee out of your throat with a grunt. William smiled, like he enjoyed your reaction. You decided to break the ice, “But, You’re not wrong. There was more I wanted to know about… The other day.” William leaned back and sighed, “I suppose I do owe you an explanation.” He ran a hand through his slicked back hair, “How about you come to work with me someday and i’ll show you. It would be easier than explaining it to you.”

You looked down at your half-drunk coffee and furrowed your brow, taking a moment before asking, "Can you explain what you meant when you said it wasn't your first time?” You thought for a moment before adding, “... with the mascot suit?" William let out a deep chuckle, “Thats easy.” As he slowly rolled up his sleeve, your eyes were immediately drawn to the deep scars running along his entire arm. The scars were so intricate and detailed in their pattern, outlining various shapes and curves. The scars told the whole story without it being said.

“Are those scars… all over your body?” William pushed his sleeve back down. “Well, I was wearing the whole suit that day,” he explained, as if that made it any less disturbing. You winced, imagining the horror of being impaled by several mechanical bits and pieces. As you sat there, staring at William, a thought suddenly came to mind. You looked away from him, furrowing your brows as you pondered the idea that had just popped into your head. William, who seemed to be able to read your mind, spoke up. "Yes," he said, “All over my body." His emphasis on the word "all".

You were completely taken aback, your eyes opening wide in surprise. You shouted loudly, "Dude!" The raucous sound of William's laughter echoed through the room, causing you to shake your head in amusement. "You didn't have to share all that," you said with a slight smile on your lips at his humor. As his laughter began to die down, you settled more comfortably into your seat. You took a sip of your coffee, the warmth of the mug had long since faded, but you relish the taste anyway. William looked to you with a joyous smile on his face. "You wanted to know, didn't you?" he asked, his eyes bright. You couldn't help but smile too. "No?" You responded. William hummed in response, clearly not fooled.

"So," William started, looking at you with a curious glint in his eye. "I've told you about my scars, tell me about yours. I’ve been fascinated by them by the day we met.” He pointed to your hand, which did indeed have quite an amount of damage. At first, you hesitated to share your past with William, unsure of how he would react to your experiences. However, his earnest expression and friendly demeanor put you at ease, making you feel comfortable enough to open up to him. As you thought back to the memory, you couldn't help but smile at the recollection of the incident. You lifted your hand to show him the scar, tracing the outline of the mark with your finger. "This scar here," you began, "was the result of my very first knife fight. I remember trying to block the knife with my hand, but the blade went straight through my skin, leaving me with a wound that took weeks to heal." Despite the pain and fear you experienced during that time, the memory now brought you a sense of pride and strength, remembering where you started.

As you gazed upon William, you couldn't quite discern his thoughts from his inscrutable expression. It was as if he was trying to read you, looking for clues to your past. You couldn't help but feel that he somehow knew about the hardships you had faced growing up. Perhaps he had been through similar struggles himself, or maybe he was simply a keen observer of human nature. Regardless, you felt a sense of discomfort that maybe you had shared too much about yourself.

William looked at you. "Thank you for sharing that with me," he said softly, his sincerity caught you off guard, and all you could do was nod. You both sat there in silence for a moment, as you looked out the window, you noticed that the snow had finally stopped falling, and the sun was starting to peek through the clouds. It was a good day to be alive, and you were glad to have a new friend to share it with.

As you set down your coffee mug, you hear the front door creak open. Michael pokes his head in and clears his throat. "Uh, there's someone here looking for you," he informs you. Michael opens the door wider and you see Miguel waiting on the doorstep. You turn back to William and smile, “Thanks for having me.” You say, William nodded.

As you walk past Michael, he gives you a disapproving glare. You can sense that he's upset about something, but you're not sure what. You greet your brother, who looks at you with a scowl. "You left the front door unlocked again," he slurs, his tone accusatory. "What is your problem?" You feel a pang of guilt, but you don't want to make a scene in front of William's kids, who are happily playing in the snow nearby. "Let's not do this here," you say, trying to keep your voice calm. "We can talk about it later." Your brother seems to relent a little, but he still looks annoyed. You take a deep breath and try to change the subject. "How did you know I was here?" you ask. Your brother lets out a scoff. "There are footprints in the snow, genius," he says, his sarcasm biting. "Oh, right," you say, trying to sound nonchalant. "I forgot about that." Despite your efforts to smooth things over, you can tell that your brother is still upset with you.

You wave goodbye to William and his kids before trudging through the snow back to your brother's house. As you enter, your brother continues to give you a cold stare and gets right in your face, “I’ve had enough of you, leaving my damn door unlocked, leaving my house a mess, goddamn you.”

You start to feel frustrated and defensive. "I'm sorry I left the door unlocked again, but I've been doing my best to keep the house clean. I've been washing the dishes, sweeping the floors, and dusting the shelves." You say. Your brother's response is still hostile. You can't help but notice a smell coming off of him, and you sniff the air. Suddenly, your eyes widen in shock. "Are you drunk?!”

Your brother's eyes narrow, and he steps closer to you, his breath reeking of alcohol. "What’s it to you? That's none of your business," he slurs. You take a step back, feeling uneasy. This isn't the first time your brother has gotten drunk, but it's been a long time since you've seen him like this. You try to keep your voice calm, "Look, I'm just worried about you. Is everything okay?" Your brother shakes his head, "No, everything is not okay," he says, his voice growing louder. "I'm sick of you, Im sick of her. Always judging me and thinking she’s better than me. Just like you always did." You can feel your heart racing as your brother continues to rant, and you start to worry that things might escalate.

“Did you drive home?” you yelled, only making your brother more angry. His face turned red, and he clenched his fists. You could see the anger bubbling beneath the surface. “I walked home—Yes! of course I drove home.” he snapped back at you.

You take a step back, trying to diffuse the situation. "Okay, okay. Let's calm down. How about we sit down and talk about this?" you suggest, hoping to deescalate the situation. Your brother scoffs, "Talk about what? You think you're better than me, always trying to tell me what to do." You can feel your frustration growing, but you try to keep a level head. "I don't think I'm better than you, I just want to make sure you're okay. I'm worried about you." Your brother's face softens slightly, and you can see a hint of vulnerability in his eyes. That was until he ripped the bolted coat rack off the wall.

You back away as your brothers face twisted in rage. You feel a surge of fear as you realize that the situation has gotten out of hand. You try to talk to him, but he's not listening. You manage to dodge the coat rack as it comes hurtling towards you, but you can feel your adrenaline pumping as you back away. Your brother seems to have lost all control, and you're not sure what to do. As you feel your back hit the wall, you realize that you're trapped. You can feel your heart racing as your brother continues to rant and rave, his words becoming more and more incoherent. You try to reason with him, but it seems like he's beyond reason.

You start to feel a sense of panic rising within you as you realize that you need to get out of there. You glance around the room, looking for anything that could help you defend yourself if things get worse. Your eyes land on a nearby lamp, and you quickly grab it, holding it in front of you like a makeshift weapon. Your brother seems to be taken aback by your sudden movement, and he pauses for a moment, looking at you with confusion and anger in his eyes. You take advantage of his momentary hesitation and make a run for the door, not daring to look back as you hear him shouting behind you. As you burst out of the house and into the snow, you feel the cold air hitting your skin. You took a moment, hearing more things being thrown around inside the house. Its exactly how your father used to act, and you hated it.

As you walked away, you couldn't help but feel a tinge of guilt for leaving your brother behind. However, you knew from past experiences that getting involved in his problems would only make things worse. You wondered what could be bothering him so much that he couldn't even confide in you, his own sibling. Maybe he was going through a tough time, or perhaps he was having relationship issues. Whatever the reason, you hoped that he would eventually open up to you instead of resorting to acting like your father. You had no choice. You really didn't want to leave, but it was the only place to go to despite your brother probably knowing where you've gone. You slowly walked down the street, the sun casting elongated shadows on the ground as it began to set. You couldn't help but feel a sense of apprehension as you approached William's front door, his kids had already gone inside. Memories of your childhood flooded back to you, spending the night at a neighbors each Saturday with your brother. You took a deep breath and knocked on the door, the sound echoing through the empty street. As you waited for a response, thoughts kept running through your mind as you stood there, waiting for William to answer the door.

Chapter Text

Your arms were crossed as you waited, the sound of the door unlocking and the turn of the knob filling your thoughts. You bit the inside of your lip and tapped your foot on the ground. Finally, the door opened and you were greeted by your friendly neighbor. His eyes widened before softly smiling, "Well, well, if it isn't my dear neighbor! Back for another cup of coffee already?" He chuckled, and you couldn't help but smile at his playful tone and replied, still feeling a bit nervous, "That would be nice." You took a deep breath and tried to relax, William was visibly concerned when you dropped your smile, your eyes trailing to the ground as you tried to gather your thoughts. "Is everything alright?" he asked, his voice filled with concern.

You stood there, taking in your surroundings. The cool breeze brushed against your face, yet you could feel the warmth of the setting sun on your skin. You looked around, taking note of the trees swaying in the wind and the birds chirping in the distance. Somehow, you felt a sense of tranquility wash over you, a feeling that was rare.

Your eyes wandered to the side, and you hesitated for a moment. You knew that the decision you were about to make would be significant. You thought about the various thoughts and considerations that were racing through your mind. You weighed the pros and cons, trying to make the best decision possible.

Perhaps you were lost in thought, after what seemed like an eternity, you made your choice. A sigh left your lips, “I know it’s a lot to ask…” Your face scrunched up as you continued, “But, can I stay the night?”

William's eyes widened momentarily, his pupils dilating as he observed you, your expression, your body language. You shifted your stance as he did so. You could see a hint of recognition in his gaze before a smile spread across his face, revealing his teeth. "Of course, dear," he said, his voice warm and inviting. "You know you're always welcome here, anytime." He gestured for you to come inside. You took off your shoes and followed him into his cozy living room, taking in the comfortable furnishings and warm lighting you’d seen previously.

As you settled onto the plush couch, you felt the soft cushions envelop you in comfort. You couldn't help but notice the mouth-watering aroma of delicious food wafting from the large and bright kitchen, making your stomach growl in anticipation. William had entered the kitchen, and you could hear the sound of plates clacking and his voice as he talked to his kids, the sound of his laughter filling the room with warmth. As the anticipation grew, the sounds of little footsteps could be heard in the distance. Within moments, one child after another came rushing around the corner, their excitement palpable as they jostled to be the first to reach the stairs. As you sat there quietly, Michael strode past you, his eyes fixed on yours with an intense glare. You couldn't help but wonder what had caused such animosity towards you. It was clear that Michael harbored some kind of resentment towards you, and you couldn't help but feel uneasy whenever he was around.

William entered the living room with a cup, he gently placed it on the coffee table in front of you, “I know you enjoy coffee, but I supposed tea was a better option at this time of night.” You picked up the warm cup, the steam rose from the cup, filling your nostrils with the sweet aroma of chamomile and honey. You closed your eyes, taking a deep breath, feeling a sense of relief wash over you. The warmth of the tea seeped into your bones, soothing your frazzled nerves.

You took a small sip from the cup and felt the warmth of the liquid as it slowly traveled down your throat, soothing it with its comforting heat. The smell of the drink filled your senses, and you couldn't help but marvel at the intricate flavors that danced on your tongue. As you continued to savor the drink, you couldn't help but feel a sense of calm wash over you.

"Thanks," you said, not caring to look up at William, who had taken a seat across from you. You tried to force a smile, but your heart just wasn't in it. Despite William's sweet gesture and caring expression, you couldn't help but feel a little bit annoyed. You had been looking forward to a quiet evening at home, and now you had to deal with all of this fuss.

"Would you like something to eat? I made beef Wellington for dinner." you heard William ask with a smile. Despite the fact that you had never tried it before, you couldn't help but scrunch your face up in disgust.

"I'm good," you managed to say, trying to hide your discomfort. You sat there, lost in your thoughts, as William stared.

As you locked eyes with him, his gaze seemed to linger just a little too long, sending a chill down your spine. His face, once open and friendly, had become a mask of inscrutability that left you feeling uneasy. You wondered if you had done something to upset him or if there was something else going on behind that unreadable expression. The silence between you grew, punctuated only by the sound of your own breathing as you struggled to find something to say. Finally, he spoke, his voice low and measured, “I’m going to go put the kids to bed.”

You watched him leave the room, his footsteps fading away as he climbed the stairs. You sat there, alone with your thoughts, your eyes wide and your brows furrowed, you could feel your eye twitch. As the warmth of the tea was still radiating through your body, You couldn't help but wonder what had happened. As you sipped your tea, you tried to shake off the feeling of unease that had settled over you.

As you sat, your thoughts drifted towards your brother, you’d wondered if he was okay.

As you sat lost in your thoughts, the creaking sound of the stairs signaling someone's descent brought you back to reality. You could hear the heavy footsteps getting louder and louder until suddenly, Michael stormed down the stairs, his face set in a scowl. The force with which he slammed the front door on his way out sent a shiver down your spine, causing you to immediately stand up and feel on guard. As William was following towards the door, you noticed his eyes caught sight of something on the floor. Upon closer inspection, you realized it was a photograph that had fallen off the shelf. He picked up the photo and carefully placed it back on the shelf.

William let out a deep sigh. He slowly straightened his posture and brought his hand up to rub his chin, clearly lost in thought. His eyes darted around the room, searching. Finally, his gaze landed on you and he let out a small sigh of relief. "I apologize," he said softly, the words heavy.

You watched him for a moment, sensing the tension in the air. You knew that something needed to be done to resolve the situation, but you weren't sure where to start. Taking a deep breath, you ran a hand through your hair and stepped forward. "I'll go talk to him," you said. As you turned to leave the room, Williams voice was filled with panic as he spoke, his trembling body betraying his fear. "Please," he pleaded with you, “Don’t.” his eyes wide and imploring. You took a moment to really look at him, noticing the way his eyes seemed almost adorned in their desperation. Despite his obvious distress, you shook your head. "Don't worry," you reassured him, "I can handle it. Just… trust me."

As you slowly turn the doorknob and push the door open, you feel a rush of cool winter air against your face. You step out onto the front porch and quietly close the door behind you. To your surprise, you see Michael sitting on the front doorsteps, his gaze fixed on the darkness of the winter night. His posture is hunched over, and he doesn't even bother to look up at you as he asks, "The hell do you want?" You hesitate for a moment, taking in the solemn atmosphere, then slowly walk over to him, the crunching of snow beneath your feet filling the silence. As you sit down beside him, you can feel the chill of the cold seeping through your clothes. You take a deep breath and begin to speak, your words measured and carefully chosen, unsure of how Michael will react.

“Penny for your thoughts?” you said, looking over at Michael, whose head was still buried in his arms. After a moment of silence, he finally turned to you.

“Why do you care so much about my dad? He’s not a great guy, you know,” he said.

You thought about it for a moment, trying to come up with the right words to say.

“Everyone has their moments…” you said, looking away. Your face displaying your uncertainty with what you just said.

Michael’s expression turned into a scowl, and he began to yell.

“You just don’t get it, do you! You have no idea at all.”

You waited patiently for him to calm down. “He-” Michael thought for a moment, he looked down, “Forget it.”

Your curiosity was getting the best of you. You couldn't resist the urge to find out what William had done that was so terrible. You had always had a strange feeling about him, and you wanted to know if your suspicions were correct. You couldn't understand how Michael was affected by it. What was even going on? You weren't very sure in the moment, but you knew you had to find out the truth. You weren't sure if it would hurt anybody to ask, but you did anyway. You looked to Michael, "Tell me everything…”

Michael scoffed. "And if I don't?" You couldn't help but let out a small chuckle, "Well, I'd prefer if you did, but it's ultimately up to you." You shifted foot to the side, the snow having stopped falling some time ago. The silence between the two of you grew heavy and tense as you waited for Michael's response. You couldn't help but wonder if you had pushed him too far. Maybe there was a different way to approach this conversation, but you had a hard time thinking of anything else to say. Eventually, Michael let out a deep sigh and reluctantly agreed, it was progress.

As you listened to Michael speak, you observed him, how he expressed his feelings through the movement of his hands as he recalled the memories. You couldn't help but feel a sense of sadness and empathy for him. Michael had explained how things were at home when his parents separated. The trauma that he and his siblings had experienced at the hands of their father was evident in the way that he spoke and the emotions he conveyed. You could see the pain etched in his face as he recounted the nights when he and his siblings would flee their home in terror, unsure of where they would go or how they would survive.

Despite the passage of time and William's apparent change in behavior, Michael remained haunted by the memories of his childhood. His mistrust and fear of his father were palpable, and you could sense the weight of his thoughts as he spoke. It was clear that Michael had been deeply affected by the abuse he had suffered, and that it had left a lasting impact on his life.

As you sat there with Michael, listening to his story unfold, you began to think of William in a different light.

You were grateful for the opportunity to connect with Michael on a deeper level and to hear his story. You felt a sense of admiration for his strength and resilience in the face of adversity, and you knew that his experiences would stay with you for a long time to come. As your conversation came to a close, you closed your eyes, the cold air was starting to get to you. but there was something else that was getting to you.

Michael finally looked at you, his face inscrutable. You wondered what he was thinking, what he was feeling. He seemed lost in thought before finally speaking. "My siblings were too young when it happened," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "They don't remember." You could sense the weight of his words and the pain they carried. You wanted to reach out and comfort him, but you didn't know how. "Don't tell anyone," he pleaded, looking back down at his feet. "Please." You nodded, understanding the gravity of his request. "I won't," you promised, your eyes scanning the yard as you tried to find something to say. You could see the emotional turmoil on Michael's face, but he didn't say anything. "I'll leave you alone for now," you said, standing up and straightening your back.

"Just make sure to come back inside before you get sick." As you walked away, you couldn't help but wonder how you were going to treat William. You made a mental note to check up on Michael later as you opened the door, the warm air hitting you like a snowball in the crotch.

As you turned your gaze towards William, you noticed that he seemed to be in a state of despair. His body language was telling a story of someone who was overwhelmed and feeling helpless. He was slumped on the couch, with his head buried in his hands and shaking his head in disbelief.

You approached William, placing a hand on his shoulder and giving it a gentle squeeze. You sat down on the couch across from him, staring intensely at him.

He let out a deep, heavy sigh, his shoulders slumping as he did so. After a moment of silence, he turned to you with a look of concern etched on his face, resembling that of a sorrowful, wet cat. You couldn't help but find the comparison a bit odd, given the current circumstances.

"Perhaps I should go outside and check on him," he suggested, his voice tinged with worry.

You shook your head, feeling utterly exhausted.

"Don’t." you replied, the weight of the day's events had worn you down, and all you wanted was to rest for a while and gather your thoughts.

William looked away in thought, his eyes wandering around the room as he processed his thoughts. As he did, you couldn't help but notice the deafening silence that enveloped the room, the only sound being the rhythmic sound of his breathing. After a few moments, he turned to you and said, "You know, it's getting quite late. Perhaps you should get some rest."

You gave a subtle half nod, "I'll go get you a blanket," He offered, before adding, "Oh, by the way, we don't have a guest bedroom, would you mind sleeping on the couch?" The thought of sleeping on a couch was ideal. you reassured him with a lazy smile, "I don't mind.”

As William left to get you a blanket, you let out a deep sigh, feeling the weight of the day's events finally catching up with you. You leaned back against the couch and closed your eyes, taking deep breaths to calm your nerves. As you tried to relax, your thoughts wandered back to Michael and his experience.

The rest of the night seemed to drag on and on. You found yourself tossing and turning, unable to find a comfortable position. Meanwhile, William was pacing around the house, his steps creating an incessant thudding noise that echoed throughout the empty halls. You could feel the tension in the air, thick and palpable, as he waited anxiously for Michael's return. Every sound, every creak of the floorboards or rustle of the wind outside, made you jump with nerves. The minutes felt like hours, and the hours felt like days. It was a long, restless night that seemed to stretch on forever.