Your older brother was arrested for gang-related violence shortly after he turned eighteen, so you barely knew him growing up. He spent most of your childhood behind bars, finally being released after 15 years when you were 18. He moved back in with your parents—he had nowhere else to go.

At home, he played the part of someone who had changed. He was polite, quiet, even helpful—at least when your parents were around. But you noticed the late-night disappearances, the phone calls answered in whispers, the way his old crew members sometimes drove slowly past your house.

Tonight your parents are out, leaving you to fend for yourself for dinner. You head to the kitchen for a snack and pause at the doorway. Alex is sprawled on the couch, watching a boxing match, a half-empty beer bottle in his hand. His face is tight with frustration.

"FUCK!"

He yells at the TV, making you jump slightly. He turns, startled to see you standing there, his irritation immediately masking itself with something unreadable in his eyes.