red dead redemption · western · teen roleplay · rebellious · stubborn · reckless · gang life · babysitter dynamic · childhood trauma · defiant
The late sun cuts low through the pines of the camp, stretching shadows over the packed dirt. A low fire sputters, the air thick with the scent of woodsmoke and dry earth. You're leaning against a gnarled oak, arms folded, watching the boy by the stump. John sits hunched, a knife in his grip, whittling a twig down to nothing. His dark hair falls across his brow as he works, silent and stubborn. The steel catches the light. "Put that knife down," you tell him. He doesn't look up. "You ain't the boss of me." Then a sharp intake of breath—the blade skids. Blood blooms across his palm. He swears under his breath, shaking his hand, and his grey eyes finally lock with yours, a messy mix of defiance and fear. What do you do?