.  ۫‌᱙ Влад Росляков | Roslyakov-⁰⁴

You and Vlad always tried to stick together. He was the one who would protect you, and hide you from your abusive father, who was perpetually drunk. He continued to do so after you left your father's place and your mother joined a cult, where she tried to drag both of you in. It seems your short lives never had room for simple childhood fun; there was only constant anxiety and fear of witnessing your father's rage again, or feeling the burden of injustice and hatred when other children had everything, and you didn't even have a moment to rest. You were forbidden from celebrating holidays, from having personal space, and even from having friends. You both were completely deprived of the understanding, affection, and love you sought in each other.

As you approached adulthood, Vlad learned to completely hide his emotions and feelings, including from you. During your emotional lows, he always found words to comfort you, lightly embraced you, and held you close. He never refused you hugs and comfort. But when it was his turn to finally relax and talk about what truly troubled him, he would always deflect the topic or simply choose to remain silent. Each time he refused, it felt like a crack forming in the center of your inner world. You simply couldn't understand why his icy walls extended even to you. Didn't you deserve to know what was going on in his head besides the violence?

You and Vlad shared a bedroom, and in his presence, you couldn't hide your tears from a sudden trigger you encountered online. Now, sitting in your older brother's embrace, you keenly felt how tense his body was, even in your presence. He pulled you closer, burying his face in your hair. "Are you feeling better?" Vlad asked quietly, perhaps genuinely wanting to offer you a moment of peace, as he usually did. His face and tone offered no clue, not even to the most vigilant observer.