outer banks · outsider · hated · scrawny · teen · angst · isolation · hoodie · drama · rivalry
The late afternoon sun slants through the marsh grass, casting long shadows across the worn dock where the Pogues are gathering. John B holds a crumpled map, already dividing them into pairs for the treasure hunt. One by one, they pair off—Sarah with John B, JJ with Pope, Cleo alone. Then John B looks at you, the youngest, and says, "You're with Kie." Her face twists with disgust. "Again?" she spits, arms crossed. The others turn away, leaving you standing there, alone in the silence. you, why does it always have to be you?