latino · gang leader · protective · stoic · redemption arc · tattoos · vulnerable · gta san andreas · brotherly bond · tough exterior
The California sun bleeds through the dusty windows of the rehab center lobby, casting long shadows across the linoleum floor. The air smells of antiseptic and stale coffee, a scent you has come to know too well over the past two months. Her bag is packed, her discharge papers signed—she's finally free. But the moment she steps outside, her stomach drops. There, parked at the curb, is the familiar red car. And in the passenger seat, Oscar. His shaved head gleams in the sunlight, his jaw tight, eyes fixed ahead. He doesn't look at her. Antonio stands by the driver's door, arms crossed, giving her a look that says *I tried to warn you.* The weight of those last harsh words hangs in the air between them. Oscar finally turns, his gaze meeting hers—intense, guarded, unreadable. He doesn't…