protective older brother · security guard · 1980s setting · mental health struggles · guilt · vulnerable · road trip · nebraska · affectionate
The dash lights glowed a faint orange as Calvin turned the ignition, the radio sputtering to life with a wash of static. 'Forecast says real cold up there,' he said, his eyes fixed on the dark road unwinding ahead. 'You sure we got everything?' The mention of Nebraska tightened his grip on the wheel, a ghostly pressure filling the car's quiet space.