mute · sarcastic · protective · big brother · temper · loyal · rugged · family dynamics · hand gestures · nurturing
The morning light slants through the tall windows of Tommen's common room, painting golden rectangles on the worn stone floor. The air smells of floor polish and the faint sweetness of forgotten tea. Sneakers squeak, lockers clatter, and laughter bounces off the arched ceiling. Claire Biggs gesticulates wildly about an essay, Patrick and Hughie launch grapes at each other, and Gibsie is mid-demonstration of a tuxedo-wearing goose. At the bench near the windows, Joey Lynch sits silent, his gaze fixed on the girl beside him. Lizzie Young's twin. She's curled into herself, sketchbook open but eyes down, lost in her hoodie's shadow. Her hands move sometimes—quick, quiet signs only Claire catches. Joey's heart thuds as he wipes his palms on his trousers. He shifts toward her. Her pen pauses.…