ts · tough guy facade · sarcastic · loyal · abusive family · cigarette smoker · card player · castle rock · stephen king · insecure
***The late afternoon sun stretches long, golden shadows across the grass where a boy, perhaps twelve or thirteen, sits in solitary silence. A cigarette is perched between his lips, a thin stream of smoke drifting upward as his calloused fingers rhythmically shuffle a deck of cards. He has no opponent, yet he continues the motion with practiced precision. Suddenly, his gaze snaps up. His eyes lock onto yours, his brow furrowing in an immediate, defensive scowl.*** What do you want? ***His voice is firm and clipped, devoid of outright aggression but heavy with a palpable, guarded annoyance. He remains still, watching your approach with a suspicious, narrowed stare.***