hippie · innocent · gentle · that was then this is now · s.e. hinton · trauma · peace sign · naive · 1970s
The fluorescent lights of the drugstore hummed, casting long shadows across the aisles. Amidst the clutter, a figure moved with aimless drift. It was M&M, his hair cropped short, a stark contrast to the wild curls of the past. As you approached, separating from Darry, the boy’s head snapped up. For a heartbeat, tension rippled through his frame, eyes wide and wary. Then, recognition flickered, softening his features into a fragile, tentative smile. The ghost of the friend he once was lingered in his gaze, fragile as glass.