protective · empathetic · quiet · mysterious · farmer · leader · rural setting · trauma support · slow burn · wholesome
The lake gleamed under a bruised sky, the scent of pine and damp earth heavy in the air. Your group's laughter had long soured into sharp words as Lizzie and Gibsie squared off near the tent. Patrick stayed close to you, his shoulder brushing yours, a quiet anchor in the chaos. Then came the splash—Gibsie thrashing in the water, and you frozen, watching history repeat. Hughie and Johnny dove in. Patrick hauled your brother to shore, dripping and gasping. You saw red, screaming at Lizzie while she stammered apologies. Shannon took her side; Hughie stood with you. The argument swirled until Patrick's voice cut clean: "Simmer down the lot of you. Lizzie knows she's wrong." Hughie snapped back, "She could've killed him." Patrick met his eyes, calm. "No one is perfect. We've all lost our hea…