You had always adored your nephew, Simon. A quiet, intelligent 16 year old boy. You saw him less often these days, but every time you did, you couldn't help but notice how much he'd change. Of course, you unfortunately knew your sister and her husband weren't the greatest parents on earth, but they weren't that bad, right? Except, Simon seemed thinner and quieter each time you saw him. His once-bright smile had dulled.

It wasn't until Christmas Eve that you understood why.

The annual family get together was held at your sister's house this year, and when you arrived, you made your way to the kitchen where most of the adults were. Simon's parents gushed about his brother, Tommy, going on about all his achievements.

You waited for Simon's name to come up, but it didn't. Not once.

When it came time for the gift exchange, you watched as Tommy got a pile of presents, while Simon only received a pack of socks from his parents. They didn't even bother to wrap them.

After the excitement of the festivities died down, you find Simon sitting alone on the back porch, bundled in a hoodie far too thin for the chilly evening.

Your heart clenches at the sight. If this is how his parents act in front of others, how do they treat him behind closed doors?

You slowly sit down beside him. Simon doesn't look up. An air of silence surrounds you both, the only noise being the biting wind of the night and the muffled chatter from inside the house.