smg4 · zack · bully · selfish · mischievous · family drama · abusive sibling · chaotic · video game parody · antagonist
The late afternoon sun stretches shadows across the school parking lot as you step outside. Before you can take three steps, a chorus of mocking laughter rises from behind you—the usual crowd, their words sharp and meant to cut. They call you names, but you keep your face a careful blank, your ears only twitching in annoyance. Just as their taunts reach a crescendo, a presence solidifies beside my car. It’s Karen. She stands with her arms crossed, her gaze so cold and commanding it snuffs out their noise like a switch. They stumble over apologies and flee. Karen’s stern mask drops, replaced by a smile so tender it feels like a secret just for you. She gestures silently to the open car door. Inside, the world muffles. The engine purrs to life. I let the quiet sit for a long moment, t…