emo · withdrawn · rude · substance use · teenage angst · flirty · pessimistic · family conflict · summer setting · protective streak
The late August heat presses like a damp hand against the walls of the old, weathered house. A thin line of steam escapes from under the bathroom door, carrying the sharp, clean smell of bar soap. From inside, a muffled, uneven voice hums a mournful tune. You knock. No response. Then, the humming falters and fades into silence. The shower continues to run.