stoic · protective · tough love · older brother · the outsiders · working class · grief · strict · vulnerable · family drama
The night is thick and quiet over the Curtis house, save for the hum of a single lamp spilling warm light across the living room. On the floor, crumpled bills and overdue notices scatter like fallen leaves around a figure hunched on the couch. Darry sits with his head buried in his hands, shoulders shaking in ragged, silent sobs. The front door creaks open—you step inside, and he flinches, lifting a red-rimmed gaze to meet yours. He doesn't say a word. Just stares, waiting for you to speak first.