His Heartwarming Secret

I search my backpack until I find the keys and let myself into the house.

"Hello?" I call out, pushing open the door and stepping inside. "Dad? Are you here?"

No answer.

He usually leaves for work early in the morning before Jedd and I wake up and doesn't return until late at night. I don't see much of him and Jedd is more of a parent to me which isn't Dad's fault. I've always been grateful for both of them but I do wish I could see Dad more often.

I sigh and drop my backpack in the hallway before heading straight for the kitchen. Whenever I'm home alone, the house instantly becomes eerie. . . Like I'm starring in a horror movie. I pull open the fridge, glancing inside at the contents —

Milk, cheese, a few takeaway boxes from last night and one single strawberry yoghurt. Fabulous.

I let out a low groan, hearing my stomach rumble from the lack of food I've consumed today. I don't ever eat lunch at school, the cafeteria is too intimidating for me. Walking inside a room crammed with students chattering and socialising is my idea of a nightmare. Instead I'd throw a sandwich or an apple inside my bag and eat it outside in the comfort of my own company.

My eyes scan the kitchen and land on a note stuck to the front of the fridge. Sprawled across it messily is my Dad's handwriting —

Casserole in the oven, see you both tonight. Dad x

carrot sticks before heading upstairs. My room is my safe haven and I can spend the rest of my life locked up in here as

find myself

*****

There's a soft knock on my bedroom door and I pause the movie, sniffling

in!" I yell, my voice wobbling slightly. The door opens and Jedd appears, looking alarmed

soppy movies again, haven't you?" Jedd says, shaking his head. I don't miss his lips turning up into an amused smile.

sitting up on my bed. I grab

movie finds her true love on holiday but it turns out he's a cancer victim and doesn't have long to live. They both go on this epic journey to do

like," Jedd scoffs, taking a seat at the end of my bed. I watch him out of curiosity, wondering what he's doing here. He crosses his legs and looks at me with an intense

one man intervention?" I

responds slowly,

about what?" I frown, fiddling with the string coming undone on my fuzzy pyjama

did school go?"

holding eye contact with me. I practically see the pity ooze from him and I wince.

"School was fine."

me, admitting to your sibling that you're struggling isn't exactly easy to do. Jedd has always been popular, surrounded by constant friends. He wouldn't understand how it feels to be like me, a loner.