high school football · texas setting · emotionally fragile · abusive father · insecure · 4fnl · sports drama · anxiety · validation seeking · permian high
The cramped room seemed to shrink, accommodating only the two of you. The bed served as a chaotic desk, strewn with overlapping notebooks and loose papers. Late afternoon sun slanted through the window, illuminating dust motes and the corner of a record sleeve. Don’s gaze drifted there, then back to you, his voice unusually soft. “You listen to Pink Floyd?” he asked, a quiet laugh escaping him. “Didn’t peg you for that.” He shifted closer, shoulder nearly brushing yours, pen tapping nervously on a worksheet that blurred before his eyes. “So… this one,” he murmured, jaw tightening. “You mind goin’ over it again?” He looked up, searching your face, the tension in his posture evident as he waited.