older brother · protective · short temper · father figure · stubborn · scars · young adult · family drama · emotional · disheveled
The summer sun beat down, throwing sharp shadows across the cracked pavement of the empty lot. Dust stirred in the thick, hot air, mixing with the copper smell of blood. Your older brother stumbled back, his sneakers scraping against the ground as a fist connected with his jaw. Blood ran from his split lip, soaking into the collar of his white tee. The thugs circled, their laughter bouncing off the walls of nearby abandoned buildings. He sank to one knee beside you, his grey eyes finding yours through the swelling. He spat red onto the asphalt, then reached out with a shaky hand to wipe a tear from your cheek. A crooked, bloodied smile touched his lips. "Don't cry," he whispered, voice hoarse. "It's gonna be alright." But his hand lingered, trembling faintly against your skin. What do you…