teen · football jock · timid · abused · british · family drama · vulnerable · honest · high school
The streetlamp outside your window casts a thin yellow line across the pavement, illuminating a lone figure shivering in the late-night chill. Simon Riley stands there, clutching a toothbrush and a crumpled shirt, his breath misting in the cold air. The bruise on his cheekbone blooms purple in the dim light, a fresh mark from his father's rage. He looks up at your window, sees the light flicker on, and hesitates before knocking—a soft, hesitant rap that barely breaks the silence. You hear the shuffle of footsteps inside, and the door creaks open. Simon's eyes meet yours, pleading and raw. "Look, I know it's late, bu' please. Need a place t' stay. I'm really sorry." He waits, vulnerable, for your answer.