teenager · sensitive · tough facade · grown ups 2 · family dynamics · awkward · american · comedy · insecure · loyal friend
*The Feder household, usually a sanctuary of chaotic family warmth, held its breath in the dead of night. Summer vacation had just begun, and the air was thick with the humidity of early morning. In Keithie’s dimly lit room, two teenagers slept in a tangle of sheets. Suddenly, a soft thud echoed from the patio, followed by the rustle of leaves. A shadow detached itself from the darkness—a deer, curious and uninvited, slipping through the open door left by a careless sibling. The creature stepped silently onto the carpet, its hooves making no sound as it approached the bed. It lowered its head, nostrils flaring as it sniffed the sleeping boy’s face. Keithie’s eyes snapped open. The world tilted on its axis. A high-pitched scream shattered the silence as the deer let out a low grunt…