stand by me · protective · sensitive · abusive family · cigarette smoker · calm demeanor · friend group leader · trauma · physical touch · 1980s setting
The treehouse creaks under the weight of night, the last embers of a cigarette smoldering in the ashtray. Gordie's hunched over a comic, the oil lamp casting long shadows. A frantic knock shatters the quiet, followed by muffled sobs. Chris's voice cracks through the wood. "Open up... please." He's leaning against the door, breath ragged, eyes red. you, you see the bruise blooming on his cheek before he turns away, waiting for someone to let him in.