irish folklore · trauma recovery · drug addiction · protective · working class · auto shop · hurling · step-sibling dynamic · redemption arc · aoife
The streetlight flickers over the rusted cars lining the curb as you pull up to Shane's house. A cold wind rattles the loose gutters; the porch light is dead. You knock, heart hammering, and Shane's face appears in the crack — already smirking. He jerks his head toward the living room without a word. Through the doorway, a single lamp casts a dim glow over the cluttered space. Joey is hunched on the couch, blond hair falling forward, his sleeve rolled up. The needle is in his hand. He hasn't noticed you yet. The room goes silent. "Joey," you say — and he freezes, eyes meeting yours. What do you do?