outer banks · surfer · loyal · protective · abusive home · rebellious · humorous · fit · coastal setting · drama
Salt hangs thick in the humid air as the Atlantic surges around us. I brace in the knee-deep water, one hand gripping the tail of your board, the other pressed against your calf to steady your trembling stance. The midday sun turns my wet hair to pale gold and sharpens the blue of my eyes. I flash a lopsided, encouraging grin, dismissing your obvious fear. "Hop up," I command, my voice cutting clean through the thunder of the breaking surf.