I really like the story given here, and the way the brother’s reaction is both tempered and confused by the ‘out of place’ social situation he finds himself confronted with. you seem to write stories in this style/genre particularly well.

Minor style comments (i.e my personal pickyness):

I hate sentences that end such as ‘to normal’ – I’d prefer ‘have to redirect his usual violence in a different direction.’

“No. you can’t.” could maybe do with some indicator as to who’s speaking – took me a re-read to see its her telling him he can’t hit her, not him reaffirming that she shouldn’t continue seeing this girl.

Keep up the good work!

Another nice interlude in the City of Dreams.

I’m glad that Phil can be placated with a good sandwich. ;-)