Sibling spotlight - billie and Finneas story

The mask of Laughter

Chapter 37: The Mask of Laughter

As the movie played on, the lively scenes and catchy soundtrack filled the room, but Y/N’s presence felt muted. She attempted to laugh at the funny moments, her voice a little too bright, a little too forced. It was a sound they had heard before—genuine and carefree—but now it rang hollow.

Finneas caught the subtle difference immediately. He exchanged a glance with Billie, who wore a concerned frown. Y/N’s laughter lacked its usual sparkle, and it felt like she was trying to convince them—and perhaps herself—that everything was okay.

“Did you see that?” Y/N asked, her eyes darting toward the screen, desperate for the distraction. “That was hilarious!”

Her laugh followed, a high-pitched echo that seemed to hang in the air for a moment before fading. It was an effort, and both Billie and Finneas could see right through it.

Billie leaned closer, her voice gentle. “Y/N, are you really having fun?”

Y/N turned, her smile still plastered on her face, but her eyes betrayed her. “Of course! I love this movie!” She forced another laugh, but it came out awkward, almost as if she were performing for an audience rather than genuinely enjoying herself.

Finneas hesitated but then spoke up. “You know you don’t have to pretend with us, right? We can turn this off if you want.”

“No!” Y/N exclaimed a little too quickly, her tone sharp enough to raise concerns. She softened her voice instantly, forcing a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “I just... I just really want to enjoy this. It’s a good movie.”

Billie felt her heart sink. Y/N was trying so hard to recreate the joy they had just experienced, the innocent laughter that had once flowed so freely between them. But now, it was as if she were wearing a mask, and they could all see the cracks beneath it.

“Y/N,” Billie said softly, her heart aching, “you don’t have to fake anything with us. We love you no matter what. Just be yourself.”

For a moment, Y/N’s facade wavered, and she looked away, biting her lip. The bright light from the screen cast shadows across her face, making the struggle within her even more apparent.

“Yeah, Y/N,” Finneas added gently. “We’re not going anywhere. If you want to talk, or even if you just want to sit in silence, it’s okay.”

Y/N took a deep breath, her shoulders slumping slightly. She seemed to be fighting against something deep inside her, the battle evident in the way her hands fidgeted with the hem of her shirt. Finally, she let out a sigh that felt too heavy for her small frame.

“Okay,” she whispered, her voice barely above a whisper. “I’m trying... but it’s just hard.”

Billie reached out, gently squeezing Y/N’s hand. “You don’t have to try so hard to be happy. We want the real you, not a version you think we want to see.”

Y/N looked at them, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. The mask she’d put on was slipping, and she could no longer hold back the weight of her emotions. “I just want to be okay,” she admitted, her voice trembling.

Finneas pulled her into a gentle embrace, wrapping his arms around her tightly. “We’ll figure it out together. You don’t have to carry this alone.”

Billie joined the hug, and Y/N felt their warmth envelop her, grounding her in that moment. The laughter faded, replaced by a heavy silence, but this silence felt safe. Here, she could be vulnerable, and maybe—just maybe—she didn’t have to pretend anymore.

“I’m sorry,” Y/N murmured, her voice muffled against Finneas’s shoulder. “I just... I thought if I could make you laugh, everything would feel normal again.”

Billie stroked her hair gently. “Normal is overrated. We just want you to be happy, however that looks. No pressure.”

The warmth of their embrace surrounded her, and for the first time in a long while, Y/N felt the tiniest bit of hope flutter in her chest. It was okay to be sad, to feel lost. And it was okay to lean on her siblings when things got too heavy.

As they sat together in a tight hug, the movie played on, but they were no longer paying attention to it. Instead, they were focused on each other, on healing, and on the understanding that even in the darkest moments, love would always guide them back to the light.