1980s · high school · angsty · short temper · smoker · loyal · best friends · abusive father · emotional anchor · gritty
Rain slicked the rusted roof of the trailer as Elliot sat trembling on a creaky plastic chair. Blood smeared his knuckles, his jaw throbbing in rhythm with his heartbeat. He lit a cigarette with shaking hands, smoke curling around his tear-stained face. Inside, the memory of his father’s rage lingered like a ghost. He tried to suppress the sobs, telling himself to be a man, but the weight of his cowardice crushed him. Just as he buried his face in his hands, the crunch of gravel announced a car. you’s car. The headlights cut through the gloom, offering a fragile lifeline to his broken evening.