Field of dandelion

Inner Conflict

Chapter 10: Sergei's Inner Conflict

Sergei's Pov

I can't breathe in this house anymore. Ever since Sia showed up, it feels like the walls are closing in, pressing down on me with every passing second. She's just a kid, I know that. But every time I see her, I see the cracks in our family, the danger she represents, the memories I'd rather forget.

I don't know why she bothers me so much. Maybe it's because she's a reminder of everything we lost, of how vulnerable we've become. Or maybe it's because she looks so much like our mother, and seeing her makes the old wounds bleed fresh again.

I storm out of my room, my fists clenched so tightly that my knuckles turn white. I need to get away, to clear my head, but everywhere I go, she's there.

Haunting every corner of my life.

I find myself in the hallway, and there she is, standing like a lost puppy. She looks up at me with those big, scared eyes, and something snaps inside me.

"Why are you here?" I snarl, my voice echoing off the walls. "What do you want from us?"

She flinches, taking a step back and tries to walk away but I can't stop I hold her hand and The words pour out of me like poison.

"You don't belong here. You never did. You're nothing but trouble, do you hear me? Just a burden we didn't ask for."

She looks like she's about to cry, and part of me wants to stop, to take it all back hug her and tell her I missed her, But another part, the part that's angry and hurt and terrified, keeps going.

"You think you can just waltz in here and everything will be fine? Well, it won't. You're just a reminder of everything that's gone wrong in this family. You're a liability, a weak link. And I won't let you drag us down."

She's shaking now, tears streaming down her face, and I know I've gone too far. But before I can say anything else, I hear footsteps.

---

Alexei's Pov

I've had enough of this. Sergei's been pushing his limits since Sia arrived, and I can't stand by and watch him tear her apart. I round the corner just in time to see him shouting at her, his face twisted in anger.

"Sergei!" I bellow, my voice cutting through his tirade. He turns to look at me, his eyes wild and desperate. "That's enough."

He glares at me, but I'm done with his bullshit. I stride over, my fists clenched, and before he can react, I punch him hard, sending him sprawling to the floor.

"Get a grip," I growl, standing over him. "Or do you want me to disfigure your face"

Sergei doesn't respond, just lies there, breathing heavily. I turn to Sia, who's sobbing uncontrollably, her breaths coming in short, sharp gasps. She's having a panic attack

---

Sia's Pov

I can't breathe. Sergei's words keep echoing in my mind, tearing at me from the inside. Everything's spinning, and I feel like I'm drowning, like I'm back in that dark place with my stepfather.

I'm vaguely aware of Alexei standing over Sergei, shouting something, but I can't focus. All I can hear is Sergei's voice, telling me I don't belong, that I'm a burden.

Suddenly, Alexei is beside me, his hands gentle on my shoulders. "Sia, look at me," he says, his voice steady and calm. "It's okay. You're safe. Just breathe."

I try to focus on his voice, on the warmth of his hands. Slowly, the fog begins to lift, and I start to breathe again, though my chest still feels tight.

Alexei stays with me, guiding me through the panic, until I'm finally able to calm down. I can see the worry in his eyes, the anger simmering just below the surface.

---
Sergei's Pov

I watch from the floor as Alexei helps Sia, my heart pounding in my chest. I know I've screwed up, that I've hurt her more than I ever intended. But the anger, the fear, it's like a fire I can't put out.

Alexei finally looks back at me, his expression hard. "Get up," he says, his voice cold. "We need to talk."

I struggle to my feet, my whole body aching. As we make our way to the living room, I can feel the weight of my actions pressing down on me. I've pushed too far, and now I have to face the consequences.

Their Father's Pov

I watch as Sergei and Alexei enter the room, the tension between them palpable. I know what's happened, and it's time to put a stop to this once and for all.

"Sit down," I say, my voice leaving no room for argument. They both sit, Sergei looking defiant, Alexei still simmering with anger.

"This ends now," I say firmly. "Sergei, your behavior is unacceptable. Sia is part of this family, and you will treat her with respect."

"She's a danger to us all," Sergei mutters, but I cut him off with a sharp look.

"She's your sister," I say, my voice hard. "And she's been through enough. We all have. It's time we started acting like a family."

Sergei's defiance wavers, and I see a flicker of regret in his eyes. "I'm sorry," he says finally, though I can tell the words are hard for him to say.

"I don't want your apology," I say, my voice softening. "I want your understanding. We're all in this together, Sergei. And we need to start acting like it."

He nods, and I can see the struggle in his eyes. It's not going to be easy, but it's a start.

"Now," I say, standing up. "We're going to set some rules. And the first rule is that Sia is to be treated with respect and kindness. Do I make myself clear?"

They both nod, and I can see the tension starting to ease, if only a little.