Sturniolo Triplets One Shots

Fractured Reflections (Chris)

Chris Sturniolo paced back and forth in his bedroom, his thoughts a chaotic whirlwind. The room was dark, the only light coming from the muted screen of his phone, which displayed countless unread messages and notifications. He felt overwhelmed, as if the walls were closing in on him, suffocating him with the weight of his own expectations.
Everyone saw him as the happy, energetic triplet, always ready with a joke or a smile. But beneath that cheerful exterior was a sea of doubt and insecurity that he struggled to keep hidden. Tonight, it felt like he was losing the battle.
He ran a hand through his hair, his breaths coming in short, ragged gasps. The pressure to be perfect, to always be "on," was crushing him. He wanted to scream, to escape, but there was no way out.
Chris glanced at his reflection in the mirror, seeing the cracks in his facade. His eyes were red-rimmed, his face pale. He barely recognized himself.
A knock on the door jolted him from his thoughts. He quickly wiped his face, trying to pull himself together. "Come in," he called, his voice strained.
Matt stepped into the room, concern etched on his face. "Chris, are you okay?"
Chris forced a smile, but it felt like a lie. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just tired."
Matt didn't buy it. He walked over and placed a hand on Chris's shoulder. "Talk to me. What's going on?"
The dam broke. Chris sank onto the edge of his bed, his shoulders shaking with silent sobs. "I can't do this anymore, Matt," he whispered. "I feel like I'm falling apart. Everyone expects me to be this perfect, happy person, but I can't keep up."
Matt sat down beside him, wrapping an arm around his brother. "Chris, you don't have to be perfect. None of us are. It's okay to feel this way. You're not alone."
Chris leaned into Matt's embrace, the weight of his emotions crashing over him. For a long time, they sat there in silence, the only sound the muffled cries Chris could no longer hold back.
After what felt like an eternity, Chris pulled back, wiping his eyes. "I just feel so lost," he admitted. "Like I'm not good enough."
Matt looked him in the eyes, his expression unwavering. "You're more than enough, Chris. You're amazing just as you are. And you don't have to go through this alone. Nick and I are here for you, always."
Chris nodded, a small spark of hope igniting within him. He knew the road ahead wouldn't be easy, but with his brothers by his side, he felt a glimmer of strength returning. They had always been his rock, and tonight was no different.
As the night wore on, Chris found comfort in the knowledge that he didn't have to face his struggles alone. The fractures in his reflection were still there, but with the love and support of his brothers, he knew he could start to heal.
Together, they would navigate the highs and lows of life, bound by a bond that was unbreakable. And in that moment, Chris felt a sense of peace, knowing that no matter what, he had his brothers to lean on.