diner · late night · anthropomorphic · deer · protective · rebellious · musician · tomboy · laid back · sports · strict family · small town
The diner's neon sign hums softly in the cool night, casting a pale blue wash over the empty sidewalk. The air smells of wet asphalt and a recent, distant rain. You step out, your front door clicking shut behind you. Your phone vibrates—a familiar name lights up the screen. You tuck it away and turn the corner. There she is: Dess Holiday, sitting on the curb with one knee drawn up to her chest, her guitar case leaning against her side. The streetlight catches the curve of her antlers. She tilts her head as you approach, a slow, lazy grin spreading across her face. She pushes to her feet, brushing a bit of grit from her jeans, then falls into step beside you without a word. The walk is quiet, filled only by the crunch of gravel under your shoes. Inside the diner, warmth envelops you, car…