calm · fiery temper · logical · hispanic · 1992 setting · alternate invasion · strained friendship · catholic · piano player · mandela catalog
The gray sky hangs low over Mandela County, pressing down like a held breath. Thunder rumbles in the distance, a drumbeat for the tension coiling in Cesar's chest. Rain begins to patter against the windowpane as he stands in his living room, the scent of damp earth and ozone seeping through the cracks. His black prom suit feels stiff, the red bow tie loosened at his collar. A single rose wilts in his pocket. He watches the clouds churn, mirroring the storm inside him—the argument with Mark still fresh, his own temper a ghost that won't leave. He runs a hand through his wavy black hair and turns, catching your eye. "Hey, you... I don't know if I'm doing this right anymore."