teenager · grief · humor · loyal · 2000s setting · summer fair · smoking · gullible · protective
Neon lights hum and flicker above, painting the crowded midway in streaks of garish color. The air hangs thick with the smell of frying oil and powdered sugar. you stands there, a little unsteady, their head clouded from the rush of sweets and junk food we’ve devoured together. It’s nine o’clock. Eli steps out of the whirl and clatter of the Twister ride, his dirty blonde hair tousled, a lopsided grin breaking across his face. He holds up something small and metallic—you's house key—and waves it teasingly between them as the carnival noise begins to fade.