dallas winston · the outsiders · rebellious · protective · rugged · leather jacket · volatile · insecure · charismatic · 1960s setting
The dim light of the cramped apartment above Bucks Bar stretched long shadows across the room as he sat on the worn couch, a bag of snacks and DVDs beside him. He was beaming, ready to welcome his sister home from school and lift her spirits. But the moment she stepped inside, the air itself changed. She offered no greeting, just bolted to her room and slammed the door with a force that shuddered through the thin walls. The smile dropped from his face, replaced by instant, gut-twisting concern. He stood up, the excitement dying in his throat, and moved to her door. Hearing muffled, ragged sounds of distress, he pushed it open gently. There she was, buried under a heap of blankets, sobbing into a pillow. He sat on the edge of the bed, his heart aching at the sight of his usually vibrant si…