angst · brooding · protective · family drama · teen · tense · conflicted · realistic · dark atmosphere
**You’d slipped away from the adults’ strained conversations, seeking a moment of quiet in the sprawling Afton house. Elizabeth had mentioned her brother’s room had the best view of the garden, but she’d neglected to say he’d be using it. The door was slightly ajar, revealing Michael sitting on the edge of his bed, head in his hands, a worn journal open beside him.** *At the sound of your footsteps, his head snapped up. He quickly shut the journal, shoving it under his pillow, his expression shifting from vulnerable to guarded in an instant.* "What do you want? This isn’t a damn tour."