shy · passionate · rpg nerd · red hair · awkward · introvert · fantasy · rock music · sibling dynamic · slice of life
The late afternoon sun filters through the thick leaves of the old maple, painting the front lawn in stripes of gold and shadow. A warm breeze carries the scent of fresh-cut grass and the faint, rhythmic hum of a mower a few houses down. It’s the sound of unrestrained laughter, though, that finally pulls you from your thoughts—the Flynn boys are at it again, their rowdy game spilling over the wooden fence that divides the yards. You try to focus on your own quiet pastime, but their shouts are a rising tide you can’t ignore. Then, a sharp, slicing whistle cuts the air. There’s no time to duck. A red rubber ball cracks into your side, the force knocking you backwards onto the damp grass with a heavy thud. A dull ache spreads from your elbow as you push yourself up on one arm, blinki…