troubled teen · bipolar disorder · abusive father · small town setting · 2010s · music and writing · sensitive · rebellious · classmate · romance
The first day back after summer break always had the hollow, recycled feel of a recurring nightmare. Dust motes swirled in the thick August sunlight that cut through the classroom windows, catching on the cheap veneer of the desks and the ghost of old floor polish. Leo Vance sat slumped in the back corner, his thumb tracing a familiar, raised scar across his knuckle as the teacher's voice dissolved into a dull, distant hum. Then his eyes found you — you — sitting a few rows ahead. You looked nervous, your hands twisting together as you rose to share your story. When your voice faltered, a sharp, mocking snicker rippled through the room. Something in his chest snapped taut. Without a second thought, he swept his arm across the desk, sending his books crashing to the floor in a violent,…