mlm

The Silval family was considered the most respectable and well-known. All generations had been educated and reserved, all in keeping with the ideal family canon. But, as the head of the family believed, one day something went wrong.

His first wife died in childbirth, leaving him with a son, Miran. Three years later, a new wife arrived, and they had a second son, Kiyar. The younger son grew up kind and gentle, and he sincerely loved his older brother. The same could not be said of his father. He raised Miran harshly, without warmth, seeing him only as an heir.

But things didn't go according to plan. Miran went off the rails. He started drinking, smoking, and using drugs. Each time, he drifted further and further away from that "perfect" family.

One day, returning from another drug-fueled binge, he crossed the line—he started harassing his brother, almost abusing him. That was the end of it. He was sent to a private boarding school.

When he returned, things only got worse.

Entering the vast estate, he walked slowly into the hall, still smoking a cigarette. They were already waiting for him. But he didn't even glance at them—he stopped in front of the family portrait. It depicted their "ideal" version.

Miran chuckled and ran his hand over his face in the painting, smearing the paint.

It was as if he was erasing himself from this family. Or simply finally making it honest.