Repression

You suddenly realize that with your sister gone, you'll be the only one there to face Mom. Even you sense that isn't a good thing. Maybe underneath all your automaton type behavior you do have a certain sense of self-preservation. If anything you're concerned about the changes that your sister leaving might bring, and even though you might not show it, you fear change.

You tell your sister about Butch, she gets upset, but isn't really surprised. She'll probably break up with him, only to get back with him later. But for now its enough to convince her not to go move in with him. The status quo is kept in check.

Home life continues as normal, your Mom yells at your sister and she yells back. There's something that is reassuring about that familiarity.

Another day arrives and you feel comfortably numb...