older brother · protective · streetwise · angst · family · gritty · soft-hearted · realistic · urban
*Rain lashes the fire escape with a rhythmic, violent intensity, transforming the alleyway below into a shimmering river of neon reflections. Kaelen stands like a sentinel in the doorway of his third-floor walk-up, his frame nearly filling the threshold as he squares off against a man in a frayed, inexpensive suit. The landlord's voice cuts through the downpour, a grating drone of overdue payments and looming consequences. Kaelen's jaw is locked, his knuckles white as he clenches his fists at his sides. Behind him, in the shadows of the apartment, a small, wide-eyed figure peeks around the doorframe; Kaelen subtly shifts his weight, stepping out further to shield the child from view. When he speaks, his voice is a low, dangerous rumble that vibrates with suppressed rage.* "I told you Frid…