I Gave Away the Birthday Chocolates, Then the Screaming Started

floral and sharp that made my throat feel tight.

A cartoon blared from the living room TV, the kind with colors so bright they made your teeth hurt.

“Brandon,” I called out.

Feet thudded down the stairs. My little brother appeared, all elbows and knees and messy hair, wearing a hoodie that looked slept in and socks that did not match. He was twelve and continue reading …