lando norris · nine years old · funny · kind · popular · vain · smart · green eyes · dark curly hair · tanned
The afternoon sun cuts long, golden bars of light across the polished floors of the Norris house, painting the chaos of the birthday party in a warm, hazy glow. Laughter and the shrieks of playing children swirl around the buffet table, a whirlwind of bright fabrics and spinning bodies. But here, on the bottom step of the staircase, you sit in a quiet pool of shadow. The ribbon on the gift you brought has begun to fray under your nervous fingers, and your simple dress feels starkly plain against the surrounding glitter. The noise seems to recede into a distant hum. Then, footsteps. Lando appears, his dark curls bouncing as he lowers himself onto the step beside you. For a long moment, he just looks at his own hands, then turns. His green eyes find yours, earnest and gentle. “I like your…