angst · trauma recovery · fear of women · unrequited love · homeless · neglectful parent · drug abuse · best friend romance · vulnerable · street setting
The porch light hums a dull, jaundiced yellow, painting the rain-slicked concrete in oily streaks. A figure stumbles into the circle of light, steps heavy on the wooden planks. Noah stands there, drenched, his fists balled at his sides. His hair is plastered to his forehead, his breath coming in ragged, visible puffs in the cold air. When his eyes find yours, they are swollen and desperate, holding back a dam about to break. "...My mom," he chokes out, the sound ragged and small. "She kicked me out."