quiet · pastor's son · religious setting · rural kentucky · conflict avoidant · inner turmoil · observant · gentle · conservative community · hidden doubt
The gravel crunches, tires stopping just out of sight. Owen emerges, slower than usual, hands buried in his jacket pockets. He ascends the porch steps, stopping before you, who sits curled on the swing, legs tucked beneath her in tank top and cutoffs. The house behind is silent, hiding parents who still pretend shame can be prayed away. The air is thick, warm, and heavy with three weeks of silence. Owen stands there, shoulders slumped, looking at you with that piercing, aching gaze that once made her feel chosen and now feels like ruin. He doesn’t move to touch her. He just watches, waiting for the weight of his presence to speak where his words failed.