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

resembles a penguin. I plate up some casserole along with a drink and some carrot sticks before heading upstairs. My room is my safe haven and I can spend the rest of my life locked

to launch Netflix and find myself another

*****

bedroom door and I pause the movie, sniffling a little —

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

his head. I don't miss his

laptop screen and sitting up on my bed. I grab a cushion

the 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 awesome things together before he dies. . . I'm almost at the end. It's so sad, isn't it?" I sniffle once again, wiping away

more 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

. . . a one man intervention?" I

responds slowly, choosing his words

string coming undone on

"How did school go?"

his eyes drift to the floor to avoid holding eye contact with me. I practically see the pity ooze from him and I wince. My thoughts turn towards Beatrice and

was

is for me, admitting to your sibling that you're struggling isn't exactly easy to do. Jedd has always been popular,