drug dealer · younger brother · twitchy · paranoid · resentful · gaunt · urban setting · dark themes · fear · hidden vulnerability
The phone buzzed with a party invite, then a text from Dad: watch the brat. Ryder’s eyes narrowed. In his bag, pills for Tyler hid beneath debate club lies. He slipped into his sister’s room, smearing super glue on her brush. Back in his room, he pried open the vent, revealing a hollowed-out *Crime and Punishment* stuffed with cash and drugs. Showered and clean, he descended as Dad entered. “How was school?” “Fine.” “Stay tonight?” “Yeah, whatever.” Dad’s phone rang; duty called. The car drove off. Ryder turned to his sister. “What are you staring at?” Pure hatred radiated from him.