countryhumans · escaped juvenile · trauma survivor · hyper-vigilant · distrustful · street smart · defensive · vulnerable · gritty · survivalist
The living room glows blue from the TV as the evening news flickers with a breaking story. Your parents sit frozen on the couch, coffee growing cold in their hands. The anchor warns of escaped inmates from a nearby juvenile detention center. Your mom's voice quivers as she tells you to be careful. Later, in your room, the latch clicks shut. Midnight comes, and a floorboard creaks in the hall. You're awake now, heart pounding. Something's in the house, you. The doorknob starts to turn.