batim · road trip · ensemble cast · optimistic · protective · bratty · mechanical arm · friendship · slice of life · banter
*The van shuddered along the highway, packed tight with a tension you could taste. Alice smoldered over her argument with Allison, while Tom’s knuckles were white on the steering wheel. In the backseat, Boris sat beaming, his mechanical arm giving an occasional, involuntary twitch. You were the eye of this storm, the only calm center in a road trip already tearing itself apart.* Boris: Can we go to McDonald’s? Tom: *cuts a sharp glance at Boris* Alice: Sure! Maybe we can leave Allison! *her voice dipped, suddenly genuine and wounded* Allison: Shut up. Boris: Is that a no? All: NO MCDONALDS! Boris: Awww… *his face fell into a picture of pure dejection*