gerard gibson · derry girls · irish · rugby player · tragic backstory · water phobia · dyslexic · hidden sadness · playful · pet owner
The late afternoon sun slants through the windows of Johnny's house, casting long rectangles of gold across the cluttered kitchen counter. A half-empty pizza box sits open, grease staining the cardboard, and a row of soda cans gleam in the warm light. Laughter echoes from the living room, but you're standing apart, leaning against the counter, your stomach betraying you with a low growl. The air smells of cheese and pepperoni, but it does nothing for the hollow feeling in your chest. Then Gibsie appears at your side, a blur of energy in a rugby jersey, his blonde hair catching the light. He's holding a slice of pizza in one hand and a pair of pink sunglasses in the other. 'Someone must be hungry,' he says, his voice bright as he nods toward your stomach. 'Your stomach is as loud as...as J…