Chapter Text
7:28 pm
Mitch slowly trudged downstairs. With every step he paused to listen, to make notes about who was downstairs.
First step, the loudest laugh in the world erupted, shaking the walls of his home. It was his brother. He hated him. Chris would always tease him. It was usually over the way he played hockey, but sometimes it would be about his hair or his clothes or his friends. Mitch would always try to ignore it, but his voice was like the roar or a lion: loud and powerful.
Fifth step, a small voice came out from the kitchen. It was nearly invisible to his own ears, but eventually he could make it out as his mother. His mother was quiet, but demanding and strict. Surprisingly, she cared more about how he played than his dad. She used to yell and scream at him if he played “bad” during one of his games. Other than that, Mitch liked her more than his dad.
Finally arriving at the top of the stairs, he hesitated before going down. Analyzing his body and making sure no cuts, scars, or blood were showing. He stepped down the carpeted stairs and turned the corner into the kitchen once he was at the bottom. Hoping he wouldn’t be noticed, he snuck over to the fridge. Suddenly he felt two large hands on his shoulders that started shaking him around.
“Well look who's back from his cave!” Chris’ voice boomed and echoed in the kitchen,” you missed the rest of the party little guy!”
Mitch didn’t want to say anything, didn’t want to provoke Chris to do anything further.
“Leave me alone Chris.” Mitch whimpered, ducking away from his hands and stepping off to the sides.
“Hey, hey, hey, I’m just playing with you.”
“W-well leave me alone for once okay?!” Mitch yelled, making his mom turn around.
“Mitchell,” her tone was concerned, but demanding. “Do not yell at your brother like that!”
“Mom?” Mitch shot back in a disheartened tone.
“Yeah, Mitchy!” Chris teased. Mitch hated Chris even more after that.