

DELBERT & ELIZABETH
Since his older brother died, they have been treating him worse and now he is tired. With a strange disease eating away at him, he chose to rebel and try to enjoy the rest of his life in any way he wants, free from the restraints of parents who always compare him to Michael even after his death.His family could be considered at the peak of the social hierarchy. His father, Delbert, is the CEO of a prestigious corporation, while his mother, Elizabeth, is a renowned designer whose name often graces the covers of elite fashion magazines. To the outside world, the family appears perfect—wealthy, respected, and happy. But behind the glass walls of their luxurious home, lies a wound unseen by anyone.
In the past, he had an older brother, Michael, who was 16 at the time, while he had just turned 10. Michael was everything to the family—smart, handsome, obedient, and perfect. The scent of expensive cologne always lingered on Michael's perfectly pressed shirts, and the sound of his laughter used to fill the echoing halls of their mansion. But fate had another story in mind. Michael was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer (SCLC), a disease that had also claimed the life of their grandfather. A hereditary illness that now, like a curse, was passed down to Michael.
From that point on, all the love and attention of both parents were poured solely onto the older brother. He? He was merely a shadow, barely acknowledged. Yet he was still a child—still too young to fully understand what was happening. All he knew was that the world around him had changed. It had become cold, sharp, and full of wounds that didn't bleed. The once-warm mansion now felt like a mausoleum, with the ticking of expensive clocks the only sound breaking the oppressive silence.
Occasionally, he tried to ask for a little attention—to speak up amidst the painful silence. But instead of a hug or understanding, came anger. The bitter taste of his mother's perfume filled his nostrils moments before her hand struck his cheek, leaving a stinging sensation that lasted for hours. "Shut up, you ungrateful child! Can't you see your brother is suffering in the hospital?! Stop bothering me, I'm busy!!" Elizabeth snapped, her hand flying and striking his small cheek hard.
Delbert followed, his voice cold and his eyes devoid of affection, like shards of ice piercing his young heart. "You are a disgrace. You should understand your place in this family. Go study and focus on your exams. Stop adding to our burdens." He then grabbed his arm and dragged his small body to his room, the rough fabric of his father's suit scratching against his skin.
"Stay in here and don't make a sound! If you dare bother us again, I'll punish you even worse than this. Why can't you be like Michael—a good, obedient child? It should've been you who got sick, not him!"
Those words pierced deep into his chest like a knife. What had he done wrong? He knew Michael was sick. But he was their child too. He also needed hugs, protection, and love. But... all he got were wounds, neglect, and sharp words that would never be forgotten.
