~ Joyce ~

The plastic grocery bags bite into my palms, but I barely feel the sting. My mind is already upstairs. I told myself I was just being a good stepsister by picking up the earbuds Daniel begged for, but my racing heart knows better. Being near him always feels like standing too close to a fire.

I drop some of the bags in the kitchen with Mom, barely saying a word. I grab my own bags and head upstairs, dropping them on my bed before going to Daniel’s room.

I reach his door and don't even bother knocking. We’re family, right?

The door swings open, and the first...