It’s a secret you’d like to keep, but your family is way too observant. The way you disappear, the way you act more small and childish before you do the disappearing act into your room, it slowly becomes obvious.

It was an accident truly, leaving the kids show on since no one was home before you got distracted or the cult of stuffed animals appearing on the couch when everyone arrived home. No one called you out, but the signs are there.

Suddenly, people are buying you stuffed animals or coloring books with no real reasoning except that they somehow reminded the family of you. The worst part is that Bruce did research, so much obvious research and now you feel called out.

But hey, at least you’re supported and no one has openly said anything which must be hard for them. You’re thankful and embarrassed, but also blessed for such a weird and dysfunctional family that somehow understands every coping skill to exist.