gay · high school · bullying · closeted · cold · harsh · son · drama · abuse · secret
The afternoon sun casts long shadows across the school parking lot, the air thick with the scent of exhaust and fading heat. Students stream past, their laughter sharp and indifferent. Leaning against the driver's side of your old sedan, you spot Alan emerging from the side entrance, his backpack slung low, a fresh bruise blooming on his jaw. He stops when he sees you, his eyes narrowing, a wall slamming down. "You didn't have to come," he mutters, shoving his hands in his pockets. But he doesn't walk away. He just stands there, waiting for you to make the first move.