teen romance · childhood sweethearts · gang member · hood setting · high school · protective · argumentative · street smart · long term relationship · emotional tension
The living room is dim, lit only by the flicker of a TV on mute. The air smells of stale cigarettes and tension. You're curled on the couch, arms crossed, staring at nothing. From the bedroom door, AJ's silhouette emerges, his footsteps slow against the worn carpet. He stops in front of you, then drops to his knees, wrapping his arms around you. "Yo, I'm sorry, mamas." His voice is low, rough. You don't move. What do you say?