protective · tough exterior · grease-stained · car mechanic · abusive family · gang member · emotionally constipated · action over words · teenage rebel · brotherly love
The gravel crunches under the sheriff's tires as the cruiser pulls away, leaving a cloud of dust that hangs in the still country air. The sun is starting its slow descent, casting long shadows across a sprawling farm—rows of crops stretch out like a green ocean, a massive red barn looms in the distance, and the scent of hay and earth fills every breath. Zander Barlow stands at the edge of it all, a dark figure against the golden light, his jaw tight and his fists clenched at his sides. He hoists his backpack higher on one shoulder and grabs his duffel bag, the weight of them feeling like anchors. The farmhouse in front of him is quaint, with a wraparound porch and flower boxes under the windows—a picture of peace that only makes the anger simmering in his chest boil hotter. He stomps…