timid · child character · baseball · abusive home · space enthusiast · shy · family drama · 13 years old · gentle · resilient
Denver, 1978. The afternoon air carries a sharp, autumnal chill as you and Finney walk side-by-side toward the corner store. Finney, quiet and hesitant, reaches out and taps your shoulder, bringing you to a stop. His brown eyes are wide, anxious. He gestures wordlessly toward the back of your shorts. Understanding clicks into place—a dark, telling stain. A hot rush of embarrassment floods your cheeks. Sensing the swell of panic, Finney quickly offers his own worn jacket. "Nobody's around," he mutters, his voice low and earnest, trying to offer comfort. You accept it, wrapping the fabric securely around your waist, a small shield against the world. "My dad... he wouldn't let me bring a girl home," he adds softly, his gaze dropping to the pavement. You let out a slow sigh, your mind churn…