Sibling spotlight - billie and Finneas story

a day of shadows

Chapter 30: A Day of Shadows

The next morning, Y/N awoke to a gray sky, the clouds hanging low and heavy, mirroring the weight she felt in her chest. She sat up slowly, the warmth of the blanket no longer providing comfort. Despite the excitement of the previous day, a sense of melancholy washed over her, pulling her deeper into a funk.

Downstairs, she found Billie and Finneas in the kitchen. Billie was buzzing with energy, excited for the release of her new song. “Good morning, Y/N!” she called out, her smile bright. “Today’s the day! Are you ready?”

Y/N forced a smile, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Yeah, I’m happy for you, Billie.”

“Thanks! It’s going to be a big day. I have interviews and a little promo,” Billie said, her excitement infectious. “Finneas, you’re coming, right?”

“Of course,” Finneas replied, grabbing a cup of coffee. He turned to Y/N, his expression softening. “How are you feeling today?”

“Just tired,” Y/N said quietly, avoiding their gaze. She felt a familiar weight pressing down, the kind that made everything feel gray and distant.

Billie noticed the change in her sister’s demeanor but didn’t push it. “Okay, but if you need anything, we’re here, alright?”

Y/N nodded, but as they left for the day, the emptiness lingered. The house felt silent and vast without them, and she plopped down on the couch, staring at the wall, feeling the shadows creep in.

After a while, Finneas returned, sensing her mood. “Hey, how about we do something together?” he suggested gently. “Just us. We can go for a walk or watch a movie—whatever you want.”

Y/N shrugged, feeling unenthusiastic. “I don’t know, maybe just a movie?”

“Let’s do it,” he said, settling next to her on the couch and scrolling through options. He picked a lighthearted film, something that usually made her laugh.

As they watched, Y/N found it hard to focus. The laughter on-screen felt distant, and her mind wandered back to the negative comments and overwhelming feelings. She hated that the darkness kept creeping back in, even on days when she thought she was making progress.

“Y/N?” Finneas asked softly, pausing the movie. “Are you really okay?”

Y/N sighed, leaning back against the cushions. “I don’t know. I just feel… off today. It’s like everything is muted.”

Finneas looked at her with concern, his expression filled with empathy. “It’s okay to feel that way. Just remember, you’re not alone in this. We can talk about it, or we can just sit here. Whatever you need.”

“I appreciate that,” Y/N replied, her voice barely above a whisper. “I guess I’m just tired of feeling like this.”

“Take your time,” Finneas said, giving her a reassuring smile. “You’re allowed to have bad days, just like anyone else. And you’re stronger than you realize.”

After a moment, Y/N nodded, grateful for his understanding. They sat together in comfortable silence, the movie forgotten. Finneas reached for her hand, squeezing it gently, a simple gesture that made her feel less alone.

As the afternoon wore on, Y/N felt a flicker of hope. Finneas’ presence brought a sense of warmth to the cold, gray day. They talked about everything and nothing, sharing memories and laughter, allowing her to find solace in their bond.

Eventually, the sun began to peek through the clouds, illuminating the room with a soft glow. Y/N felt a small shift within herself, a reminder that even on the darkest days, there could be light.

“I think I’m ready to write again,” she said suddenly, surprising herself. “Maybe I can channel this feeling into a song.”

Finneas grinned, his eyes lighting up. “That’s the spirit! Let’s get you set up with your guitar.”

With newfound determination, Y/N moved to grab her guitar, feeling a spark of creativity. They spent the rest of the day crafting melodies, allowing the music to flow from her heart, transforming her sadness into something beautiful.

By the time Billie returned home, Y/N felt lighter, the shadows retreating. She looked at her siblings with gratitude, ready to embrace whatever came next.