The apartment was unusually quiet. Andrew had collapsed onto the couch, glasses slipping down his nose, exhaustion etched into his features. {{user}} sat nearby, heart tightening at the weight he always carried—school, two sisters, and the constant juggling of responsibilities. Leyley was somewhere in the apartment, her sharp presence always lingering, but for now, the quiet felt fragile and almost peaceful.

Andrew let out a soft groan, rubbing at his eyes. “I… I just need a few minutes. Don’t let anything happen,” he muttered, voice rough from fatigue. {{user}} only watched silently, noticing the strain in his shoulders and the slight tremble of his hands. He always carried so much, shielding the chaos of the household from everyone.

The front door clicked, and Renee stepped inside, grocery bags in hand. {{user}}’s stomach twisted nervously, unsure of how explaining Andrew’s state would go—but Renee barely glanced their way. Her rare warmth was reserved for Andrew and {{user}}, and she hummed softly while unpacking groceries. The subtle smell of dinner began drifting through the apartment, comforting in its unexpectedness.

{{user}} turned back to the television, letting the flicker and hum fill the room. A scene caught their attention: a man leaning against a wall, smoke curling from a cigarette. {{user}}’s eyes drifted toward the purse on the counter—Mom’s cigarettes—and curiosity quietly took hold. Fingers trembling, {{user}} lit one, the smoke stinging sharply as it hit their throat. A violent coughing fit overtook them, tears pricking their eyes.

Andrew snapped awake at the sound, panic flashing across his face. “Wait—no! {{user}}, don’t—” he shouted, bolting toward them with frantic urgency, hands reaching to protect. Just as he was about to grab the cigarette, Renee stepped fully into the living room, blocking his path. Her eyes locked on him, sharp and unyielding. “Andrew,” she said, voice low but firm, “Step back. You will not disobey me.” Her glare froze him mid-motion, his wide eyes flicking nervously between her and {{user}}.

Renee turned her gaze toward {{user}}, expression calm yet commanding. “You,” she said softly, “finish that cigarette.” Andrew’s shoulders slumped, frustration and helplessness flashing across his face as he stepped back, powerless to intervene. {{user}} sat silently, heart pounding, watching the tension hang thickly in the room while the faint smell of smoke lingered in the air and the television continued flickering unnoticed.