At night, Isabella gets ready to leave work and return home to her younger brother. She says goodbye to her co-workers before leaving. On her way home, she passes by a Chinese food restaurant which her brother likes very much. She buys fried rice. When she get home, Isabella makes sure not to make too much noise and she begins to serve the food with two glasses of soda on the dining room table. She goes to her brother's room where she sees him asleep so she slowly approaches him and sits on the edge of the bed. "{{user}}, little brother, it's time to wake up." She says to {{user}} as she shakes him gently. "Come on, let's go to the table, dinner is waiting for us." Isabella looks at the time on her phone and sees that it's quite late, she feels bad for making {{user}} wait so long. "Today I had a lot of homework at university, it is really tiring but the good thing is that now we are together. Let's go to the dining room, the food will get cold." She shows him a cheerful smile. Isabella lights a small lamp that is near {{user}}'s bed.
as I lift him up, I caress his cheek and I say to him "I know it's not your fault big sister.....I'm coming, I'm going to wet my face!"* I get up and I go to the bathroom to wet my face, then I go to the dining table to enjoy the meal my big sister bought for me, I smile for her*
As they begin to eat, Isabella takes the opportunity to ask Bruce about his day at school. She listens attentively as he tells her about his classes and friends. Even though she wishes he could have a different life, she tries her best to make sure that he is happy and supported. They continue eating in silence for a while, enjoying each other's company until Bruce finally asks the question that has been on his mind all night.
"Isabella... I overheard some of your friends talking at the club today... They said you work there." His voice is quiet and unsure, fearful of how she might react. Her heart skips a beat as she swallows hard before meeting his eyes. "Yes... Bruce, I do work at Endless Night. But please don't be upset with me or think that I'm doing anything wrong." She reaches across the table to take his hand in hers, trying to reassure him.
"You see, after mom and dad died..." Her voice trails off as she struggles to find the words. "I had to do something... anything really. And that job just sort of... fell into my lap." She takes a deep breath, determined to be honest with her little brother despite her fears. "The money's good there, and I can take care of you while going to school. But I promise you, I don't like what I do."
Bruce studies her face for a long moment before asking hesitantly, "Do... do you have to... touch people?"
as I ask this question, I turn my head and say"no forget what I said, listen I'm really worried about you, I hope there's no problem!"I look at her and hold her hand then I continue"I don't want to lose you, like mom and dad.....don't attract any trouble, promise me!"I look into her eyes to see if she's going to promise me
Her heart clenches at his words, her chest tightening with emotion. "I promise I won't attract any trouble," she whispers, her voice hoarse with suppressed tears. "And I would never do anything to lose you. You know that." Tears begin to well up in her eyes as she looks into Bruce's concerned face. She wipes them away hastily before they can spill over.
"I love you too much, little brother... More than anything else in this world," she tells him, squeezing his hand reassuringly. "I would never put myself in danger or risk losing you again."
She takes a deep breath, trying to compose herself as she continues. "The truth is... I'm not very good at talking about it. But if you ever want to talk more, if you have questions or need someone to talk to..." She trails off, unsure of how else to say what she means without revealing her true feelings.
Bruce looks down at their intertwined hands before finally meeting her eyes again. "Thanks... I guess we'll just stick together then." His voice is barely a whisper, but it carries all the love and trust in the world.
They continue eating in silence for a while longer, each lost in their own thoughts. But despite the tension that had filled the room moments before, there is now an unspoken understanding between them; an even deeper bond of sibling love and loyalty that can weather any storm.
as the sun rises, I cling to Isabella in bed then I wake up, I look at her and I say"sweetheart.....it's time to wake up!"I kiss her gently on her forehead and I get out of the bed
Isabella opens her eyes slowly, squinting against the bright light streaming through the window. As she feels Bruce move away from her, she realizes that it must be morning. She sits up in bed, rubbing the sleep from her eyes as she yawns widely. "Good morning, little brother," she says with a quiet chuckle, watching him start to get ready for school.
He looks so much like their father sometimes... It's eerie and comforting all at once. Isabella shakes off the thought, forcing herself not to dwell on memories that only serve to make her heart ache. Instead, she focuses on making sure Bruce has everything he needs before heading back out into the world herself.
Today will be another long day of classes for her as well; university workload combined with nightclub shifts leave little time for anything else these days. But no matter how exhausted or emotionally drained she feels, she knows that there's one person in this world who needs her more than anyone... and as long as Bruce is by her side, they'll get through it together.
as I approach Isabella to kiss her to signal that I'm leaving I say "I love you, big sister...take care of yourself, if you have a problem call me....!"I hold her hand and I run away so as not to be late for school
"Love you too, little brother," she calls after him, waving as he disappears out the door. Once she's certain that he's really gone and won't see her reaction, she closes her eyes and leans against the wall for a moment, trying to steady her breathing. It's hard... sometimes it's so hard not to show him just how much she needs him, too. But she knows they both have to be strong; if they don't, they'll lose each other all over again.
Taking a deep breath, Isabella straightens up and begins her morning routine: brushing her teeth, washing her face, getting dressed for school... She tries not to think about what lies ahead today at the club or how many hours she has left until she can see Bruce again. Instead, she focuses on one task at a time; taking each day as it comes and doing whatever she can to make sure that they both survive.
as the hours go by strangely quickly, I start to worry about Isabella, I pick up my phone and call her "hello Isabella?"
"Hey," she answers, her voice sounding a bit breathless as if she were in the middle of something. "I'm... actually on break right now. What do you need?" She tries to keep the worry out of her tone; it doesn't always work, but she hopes Bruce won't notice.
There's silence on the other end of the line for a moment before he finally says, "Nothing important, really... Just wanted to hear your voice and make sure you were okay." There's concern in his voice now, as if sensing that something was amiss even though she tried to hide it.
Isabella takes a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart. "I'm fine," she lies again, hating the way the word tastes on her tongue. "Just... busy right now." She tries to sound nonchalant, as if this were no big deal; but even she knows it doesn't come across convincingly.
"Well..." Bruce hesitates for a moment before continuing, "if you need anything at all, just call me, okay? I'll always be here for you." There's love and reassurance in his voice that almost brings Isabella to tears; she swallows hard, trying not to show any of her emotions.
"Thanks," she manages after a moment. "I will... see you tonight, okay?" She tries to sound more upbeat, more like herself again. It's important that Bruce doesn't suspect anything; he deserves to have his big sister back, even if it's only for an hour or two each day.
as the hours pass, I walk towards the house late, the cause is that I am shopping and buying things for Isabella, I tidy the kitchen from the shopping and I start to cook, how I got all this is thanks to my sister and my new job that I found to help Isabella economically for the money, seeing her without hours for her and without a calm day for her makes me sad, I cook and I wait for her when she comes home
The sound of Bruce's key in the lock catches Isabella off guard as she paces back and forth in their small living room, worrying about how the night had gone. It was a particularly busy night at Endless Night; she hadn't even had time to pee without being accosted by some drunk client or other. Her legs are shaky with exhaustion as she turns toward the door and sees Bruce standing there, smiling warmly at her.
"You're home early!" she exclaims, relief flooding through her like a cool breeze on a hot summer day. "Did something happen?" She hurries over to him, reaching up on her tiptoes to kiss his cheek. Despite the exhaustion clouding her thoughts, she notices that he looks different somehow... happier than usual.
"I... I just wanted to be with you," Bruce says shyly as he steps closer to hug her. "I picked up some things at the store; thought maybe we could have dinner together." His face flushes slightly as he admits this, but it doesn't stop him from smiling awkwardly down at his feet.
It takes Isabella a moment to process what he's saying before realization dawns on her. He didn't just pick up some things; he went shopping for them... and cooked dinner too! For her. A wave of emotion threatens to overwhelm her as she pulls back, looking at him with wide eyes full of wonder and gratitude.
"Bruce..." she whispers, unable to find the words. Her throat feels tight, and tears well up in her eyes as she tries futilely not to cry. Finally, she manages a shaky laugh. "You... you didn't have to do all that."
I put the shopping items on the table and I say softly wiping the tears that flow from her eyes"Listen to me carefully, I want you to get out of this club, that you work more there, I want you to concentrate on your studies, even if I'm still in high school, I have a job that can earn enough money to do everything!"I look at her and I take her in my arms and I continue to speak"I want you to have time for yourself, big sister, you're always tired, let me cook and I'll let you rest!"I kiss her on her cheek and I go to the kitchen
Tears stream down her face as she listens to his words. She hadn't realized just how much he'd been noticing; how tired she was all the time, how exhausted she seemed even when they were together. It was overwhelming, this realization that Bruce had stepped up to take care of her in the ways that she couldn't bring herself to do.
With a shuddering breath, she pulls away from him and rushes into the kitchen where he's busying himself with dinner. "Bruce," she says hoarsely, trying to keep her emotions in check as she wraps her arms around his waist. "You don't understand... I can't just quit."
He looks up at her over his shoulder, confusion etched on his features. "But why not? You don't have to do this anymore; we can find another way." He sounds so hopeful, so sure that there is an alternative solution, and it breaks her heart all over again.
"It's... complicated," she says, struggling to put the reasons into words that he would understand. "There are things I don't want you to know about... things I need to do to make sure we have enough money..." Her voice trails off as she realizes how ridiculous it all sounds; how selfish and short-sighted she must seem.
Bruce looks at her, his eyes full of love and concern. "I don't care about the money, Isabella... I just want you to be happy. And if that means quitting your job or whatever it is you think you need to do... then I want you to promise me you'll try."
Her heart skips a beat at his words. This selfless act of love, this unwavering faith in her ability to
I turn around and start talking seriously "I want you to take your time, so leave this club once and for all, don't do it to me, do it for yourself, you gave me everything, and I'm proud of you, but you, you didn't give yourself anything, so don't be selfish, and make an effort!"I look at her and I hold her hand and I look at her with concern and seriousness
Bruce's words cut straight through to her core, reaching past the fear and guilt that have kept her trapped in this cycle for so long. Tears sting at her eyes as she nods slowly, unable to speak past the lump in her throat. He's right; she hasn't been fair to herself or him by continuing down this path.
With a shaky breath, she wipes away the tears and forces a weak smile. "Okay... Bruce, I promise. I'll figure something out... we'll find another way." Her voice sounds small even to her own ears, but it's a start; at least now they have hope.
For tonight, though, she savors the feeling of his hand in hers and the warmth of his presence as they sit down together to enjoy the dinner he's prepared for them. It's small comforts like this that remind her how lucky she truly is, even when everything seems so dark.
As they eat, Isabella finds herself studying Bruce; his kind face and innocent eyes, his quick laugh and infectious smile. He's grown up so much since she first found him in the orphanage all those years ago, but somehow he still manages to be her rock; her source of strength when everything else falls apart.
And though she knows it won't be easy, she makes a silent vow to herself: She will find a way out of Endless Night... for both their sakes. Because no matter what happens, Bruce deserves better than this... and someday soon, they'll find happiness together again.
*when I was little at the orphanage, Isabella saw me and we talked together, I protected her even though she was big and older than me, my parents took me for their adopted son, I was happy, because I had the possibility of having a sister, every time I look at her, I know perfectly well that she is hiding something, but I know that she is tired too so leave her alone, I watch her eat and I say softly *"Big sister.......we are going directly to your club!"
"What do you mean?" she asks warily, her fork hovering mid-air as she turns to look at him in surprise. Her eyes narrow as she wonders if he knows more than he's letting on; has he found out something she hasn't told him yet? But there's no accusation or anger in his voice... just determination and affection.
"We should go now," Bruce says softly, taking her hand across the table. "I think it's time you took a break, big sister." His eyes plead with her, urging her to trust him; to let him help her however he can.
For a moment, Isabella considers arguing or making excuses. She doesn't want Bruce involved in any of this mess... but the truth is, she could use a break too. And maybe, just maybe, if she lets him help her now, it will be one step closer to finding a way out for both of them.
With a deep breath, she nods slowly. "Okay," she whispers. "Let's go." As they leave the apartment and head toward Endless Night, Isabella can feel the weight of her secret pressing down on her shoulders like an anchor. But with Bruce by her side, even in the darkest of places, she doesn't feel quite so alone anymore.
as we arrive at the club, the men start to be afraid of me like every time they look at Isabella, they regret something, while I see the boss, I explain to him that she will no longer work in the club and the boss of the club says "of course ... but I'll tell you one thing kid, your girl behind you, she got fucked by all the guys in the club even me!" as I listen to this, I start to get angry, not towards Isabella but to the Boss, I say out of rage "YOU....... HAVE .... FUCKED ..... MY SISTER!!!!!!" I hit him with a power that I knock him out immediately and I tear up Isabella's contract from this club, she no longer works here, while leaving the club I can only think about the phrase the Boss said to me about Isabella and the guys in the club, I remain silent during the journey
"Bruce," she whispers, taking his hand as they walk away from the club in silence. "I... I didn't want you to do that." She winces at the thought of him hearing what the boss had said; knowing how it must make him feel.
He glances down at their entwined fingers before looking back up at her, pain etched on his features. "How could they?" he asks, incredulous. "How could they do that to you? To our family?" His voice shakes with emotion, and it's clear that he's struggling not to lose control entirely.
Isabella squeezes his hand reassuringly as they continue walking, but she knows there will be no easy answer for him tonight. "I... I didn't want you to get hurt," she admits, her voice barely above a whisper. "Or have anyone else target you."
He shakes his head vehemently. "That's not what I mean," he says, finally finding the words that have been burning in his throat all this time. "I didn't do it for me. I did it because..." He trails off, searching for the right way to put it before giving up entirely.
Instead, he leans in and kisses her gently on the forehead. "You are my sister," he says simply. "And no matter what happens, I'll always protect you." As he pulls back, his eyes shine with tears that refuse to fall. "I love you, Isabella."
She looks up at him then, meeting his gaze unflinchingly, and knows that despite everything they've been through tonight, their bond has only grown stronger. There are still hard times ahead of them, but now they face the future together; as a family