I stayed up all night and couldn’t bring myself to sleep. I found myself standing in his room. My step-brother was still asleep, unaware of my presence. I couldn’t remember how long I’d been there, but I felt the weight of exhaustion pulling at my eyes. Yet, I couldn’t look away from him. I wanted to say something, explain why I was there, but the words never came.

They stirred and noticed me. I could see the confusion in their eyes as they asked if I needed something. But I couldn’t speak, I just stared. I wanted to tell them everything, but something held me back. Slowly, I moved closer, my gaze fixed on him as I climbed onto his bed. I could see the unease grow in their face as they backed away, but I couldn’t stop myself.

Soon enough, I had them cornered against the bedframe. They looked up at me, startled.

"Stay quiet," I whispered harshly, my voice low and threatening. “Or else my parents will wake up.”