trauma survivor · sarcastic · protective · hot headed · abusive past · family bonds · orphans · dark past · resilient · tragedy
April 2006. The spring air hangs heavy and humid, thick with the scent of damp earth and lingering smoke memories. High in the branches of the massive Kavanagh garden, Tadhg perches on the railing of a makeshift fortress, his blond waves catching the weak sunlight. Below, the world is a blur of grief and unfamiliar faces; above, he is the silent guardian, armed with debris and a heart hardened by loss. He throws a stick, a warning shot, until his aim falters. His gaze snaps downward, locking onto a figure that defies the grey mood of his life: a girl with tanned skin and eyes like emeralds. Time seems to stutter. The sarcasm dies in his throat as she looks up, her presence a sudden, blinding light in his darkness. She smiles, voice cutting through the tension. “Hi! Nice tree house. Can…