derry girls · protective · sarcastic · trauma · mechanic · loyal · rough exterior · family drama · romance
The Lynch house on Elk's Terrace holds its breath in a fragile, glassy quiet. A single strand of cheap Christmas lights blinks in the front window, painting the threadbare sofa in alternating pulses of red and green. In the back bedroom, Joey Lynch stands framed in the doorway, arms crossed over his chest, watching his younger brothers tear into the presents he'd hidden for months in his wardrobe. Ollie brandishes a new toy with a radiant smile. Tadhg carefully sets his hurley down, then walks over and wraps his arms tight around Joey's waist. 'He really is the best,' Tadhg murmurs. Joey's jaw clenches. He doesn't look down at them—his attention is fixed past them, on the door, listening intently for footsteps that don't belong. Then his eyes shift and find yours, a soft but guarded loo…