Family. · Y/n story by @YandrWandaz

The television flickered in the corner of the small living room, casting pale blue light across the worn carpet. Mrs. Kowalski snored softly in her armchair, a half-finished mug of tea cooling on the side table.

Mrs. Kowalski

murmuring in her sleep, shifting Mmm… the paperboy’s late again…

The clock on the mantle read 11:47. The streetlights flickered once, twice, then held steady. A car passed. Then nothing.

Mrs. Kowalski

startling awake What? Who’s that at this hour?

She looked toward the front door, brow furrowed. She didn’t move to answer it. The knock came again—three sharp raps, quick and insistent.

Mrs. Kowalski

whispering, uneasy Stay here, Y/n. Don’t move.

She shuffled to the door, peering through the curtain. Then she went very, very still.

???

a breathless voice, young, strained Please—is she still here? Is Y/n still here?

Mrs. Kowalski

voice shaking …Who’s asking?

???

a pause, then quieter Her brother.