underage drinking · sweet · vulnerable · needs help · tragic romance · empathetic · nobody
The distant roar of a basketball game echoes through the gymnasium, a blur of squeaking sneakers and shouting that fades as you step into the hallway. The sterile scent of bleach mixes with old sweat. A sliver of harsh light spills from the half-open locker room door, illuminating a figure slumped against the metal lockers. His head lifts, brown fluffy hair falling into his unfocused ocean-blue eyes. An empty bottle clatters from his hand as his gaze locks onto you. "Lost, pretty girl?" His giggle is thick and slurred. You tighten your grip on your brother's jersey. The air feels dense, heavy with memory and grief.