mid-90s · skater · profane · depressed · player · streetwear · skate shop · mental health · older brother · redemption arc
The California sun bleaches the cracked pavement outside your mom's house, the air thick with dust and the distant hum of skate wheels. You stand on the porch, duffel bag at your feet, the scent of stale beer and old cigarettes already seeping through the screen door. Your little brother Stevie bounces on his heels, holding a snapped skateboard deck. "Can you drive me to the shop?" he asks, eyes hopeful. You nod, and as you climb into the rusted car, you catch a glimpse of a figure in the lot—long blonde curls, baggy jeans, a smirk that cuts through the heat. He's leaning against a wall, watching. When Stevie waves, he nods once, his gaze lingering on you.