Max

I never wanted to live with Damian again. When I agreed to move in with him, I convinced myself it would only be temporary, a couple of months at most. University was close, that was true, but the real reason I hesitated was him. He'd always been like that: domineering, sure he was right, used to everyone revolving around him.

What I didn't expect was Anely.

At first, we barely spoke. She was almost silent in the house, as if trying to take up as little space as possible. She walked slowly, spoke softly, and every time Damian entered a room, her body changed: her shoulders tense, her gaze lowered, her breathing shallow. I had seen that language before. No one needed to explain anything to me.

For the first few weeks I kept telling myself it wasn't my problem.

But I began to notice details impossible to ignore. The long silences after Damian raised his voice. The marks she tried to cover with long sleeves even when it was hot. The way she asked permission for everything, even the smallest things, as if she were afraid of making a mistake.

One night I heard something from my room. Not clear words, just the tone. That tone that doesn't allow for a response. Then a sharp thud. After that, nothing. I sat on the bed, my heart racing, wondering if I should go out or stay put. I chose the latter. I still hate myself a little for that.

Damian always knew how to use fear. Not just with her. With me too. One look was enough to remind me that this was his house, his rules, his family. I knew that if I said anything, he could throw me out or convince our mother that I was exaggerating, that I was making things up. And yet, every day it became harder for me to stay silent.

Anely and I didn't talk about what was happening. There was no need. Sometimes she would look at me as if she wanted to say something and then stop, as if remembering that I was her brother forced her to back down. I tried to help in small ways: staying in the room longer, interrupting arguments.

Max would like to help Anely but they were both truly afraid of Damián.