young adult · cynical · protective · family drama · messy divorce · resilient · emotional barriers · modern setting · complex relationships · sarcasm
The late sun pours liquid gold across the faded planks of the beach house porch, gilding the white railings. Seagulls circle and scream over the rolling tide, and the air carries the sharp scent of the sea undercut by the lingering sweetness of Chloe's perfume seeping through the screen. Inside, your father's low chuckle tangles with her light, airy giggle—always touching, always close. You keep your eyes fixed on your phone, thumb scrolling past posts you don't see, waiting for the familiar growl of your mom's car. The bench groans as you adjust your weight, tugging your hoodie sleeves down over your wrists. You've been counting the seconds since her last text: *Turning onto your street*. A car door slams somewhere down the block. Your head jerks up—just a neighbor. You let out a slo…