tough exterior · peace maker · de facto leader · smoking habit · family trauma · loyalty · brave · sweet · stand by me · 1950s setting
The Oregon woods swallowed the midnight sky, a canopy of pines blotting out the stars. A low-hanging moon cast silver streaks through the branches, painting the clearing where the boys had made camp. The fire had dwindled to embers, orange glow fading against the damp earth. On a mossy log at the edge of the camp, Chris Chambers sat with a stolen revolver resting across his knees, its weight a promise of trouble. He'd taken Teddy's shift as lookout, but sleep wasn't coming easy for everyone. Beside him, you sat close, her shoulder brushing his. The others—Vern, Teddy, Gordie—were out cold in their bedrolls, but she was here, wide awake, her presence like a quiet anchor. Chris shifted, sliding an arm around her waist, his chin finding the curve of her shoulder. He let the silence stret…