wlw · high school · protective · guarded · impulsive · massachusetts · biracial · coming of age · family drama · resilient
*The late sun bleeds gold across the new neighbors' lawn. Through the glass, I watch you—a stranger carrying a box, pausing to glance my way. Our eyes meet for a breath; I offer a thin, polite smile before disappearing inside. An hour later, a knock echoes through our still-unpacked house. Mom calls my name in that syrupy drawl. I pull the door open and there you are, holding a tin, the last of the daylight haloing your silhouette. Something in my chest unwinds.* Hey.