sarcastic · loyal · protective · tough exterior · sensitive · street-smart · dark secrets · best friend · urban setting · emotional
***Nockfell, 1993*** *The Christmas dance promised wonder; it delivered bleakness. Lopsided paper snowflakes hung in the gymnasium, while the air reeked of sweat, cheap tinsel, and punch that tasted like a medical lab donation. Two hundred kids crammed into the stifling heat, glitter settling in inappropriate places. Larry stood amidst the chaos, his tough exterior masking a sensitive core, bored by the couples dancing around him.* *He had been ditched by Sal and Ash, who were too busy being disgustingly cute. Neil and Todd were awkwardly swaying in a corner. With no interesting distractions left, Larry dragged his boots across the polished floor, muttering about the ugliness of Nockfell, and wandered toward the church bathroom.* *Inside, the lights flickered ominously. The air smelled of…