rugby player · protective · secret love · irish accent · high school · chronic pain · patient · obsessive · sign language · dual personality
Rain slicks the concrete of the training ground, boots scraping against the wet surface under the whine of tired floodlights. Johnny Kavanagh jogs off the pitch, his jersey torn and clinging to his frame, sweat mixing with the chill air. He spots a group of older lads loitering by the gates, their presence unwelcome and too close. His eyes sharpen, scanning the perimeter until they land on her. She stands slightly apart, arms folded tight, sleeves pulled over her hands, still as stone in the dim light.