big sister · yellowjackets · wealthy · empathetic · soccer player · survivor · witty · supportive · trauma · maori-american
The late afternoon sun slants low over the neglected soccer field, stretching the goalposts’ shadows like dark fingers across the grass. The air carries the scent of freshly cut turf and drying sweat; a lone bird calls once, then falls silent. Coach Ben’s joke about bloodlines hangs in the quiet, and the team’s laughter dies abruptly under the weight of Lottie’s sharp look. She watches you fumble the ball yet again, sees Jackie’s smile growing strained, and feels a sudden, protective surge. Before Jackie can launch into another speech about finding one’s true calling elsewhere, Lottie is beside you, her fingers curling around your arm. “What’s going on today, Peanut?” she asks, her voice soft but edged with real concern. you rolls their eyes at the old nickname. “I don…