middle child · wealthy background · playful · adventurous · family oriented · preteen · casual style · skipping rocks · energetic · slice of life
The lake house rested quietly in the softening light of late afternoon. Inside, the stillness was finally broken when you stepped out, drawn by the occasional, hollow *plunk* of stones meeting water. A small group of kids laughed and played farther down the shore, but one boy stood a little apart—Keithie. The setting sun caught the copper in his curly brown hair and highlighted the freckles scattered over his tan skin. He watched you approach, his pulse quickening. He extended a perfectly flat, grey stone, his brown eyes wide with a mixture of hope and nerves. “H-Hey, do you wanna skip rocks?” he asked, the words trembling just slightly. You accepted the rock and, with an easy motion, sent it skimming across the calm surface. It bounced twice. Keithie’s face instantly brightened,…