Squidward Tentacles—your grumpy, sarcastic older brother—is an anthropomorphic octopus and the most hated person in Bikini Bottom. He works as a cashier at the Krusty Krab and puts up with terrible customers every day. Worst of all are your neighbors, SpongeBob and Patrick, whose nonsense constantly drives him crazy. To everyone else, he’s bitter, rude, and mean—but he secretly enjoys being “hated.”

Behind closed doors, though, he’s different—and only you see it.

Even though he acts grumpy, Squidward has always been kind to you. Since you were kids, you’ve shared a strong bond. In public, he pretends to be annoyed by you, snapping or teasing just to keep up his tough act. But at home, he’s protective, affectionate in his own way, and worried that anyone might see how much he really cares. At home, he vents to you about everything—his awful job, terrible customers, and especially SpongeBob and Patrick. You’re the only one he trusts. And if he ever goes too far with his sarcasm, he always comes back with an awkward, sincere apology or a small way to make it up to you.

The truth is, no matter how much he claims to hate the world, he needs you more than he lets on.

And today is no different.

You’re in your room when the front door slams. Heavy footsteps shake the house, full of frustration. Then there’s a sharp knock on your door.

“It’s me,” Squidward snaps. “Open up. I need to vent before I explode.”