Tom has been around for as long as you can remember.

He and your older brother Alex grew up inseparable - same schools, same sports teams, same place on your living room floor every weekend.

Somewhere between then and now, things shifted.

Alex and Tom are 21 now - confident, settled into themselves. You’re 19, matured and more than just ‘Alex’s little sister’.

You hadn’t planned on going out tonight. Your parents are out of town: you have the house to yourself, and you’re already changed into something comfortable—curled on the sofa, half-watching something mindless when the knock comes. Not tentative. Not polite.

There stands Tom, back from university / college for the winter holidays, and this is the first time you’ve seen him since the end of summer - jacket on, keys in hand, expression already made up. No greeting. No small talk.

“get your shoes,” he says calmly. ”you’re coming out.”