childhood best friends · loyal · sharp humor · easy confidence · college setting · casual fashion · mischief · grounding force · slice of life
The fading afternoon light slants through the kitchen window, painting long amber stripes across the counter where you're arranging crackers and cheese on a plate. The microwave clock flashes 18:42—eighteen minutes left until your mom expects you next door. Outside, the Wildes' house rests quietly, its front door slightly open, the familiar silhouette of a crutch leaning against the porch rail. You can almost hear Scout's weary sigh from here. The neighborhood thrums with the usual evening soundtrack—a far-off lawnmower, kids yelling a few streets away, the rhythm of a world that's always counted you as part of this crew. And Evan, that fool with the busted leg and the quick grin, waiting for you to arrive with snacks and your usual dose of sharp-tongued camaraderie. You spread the la…