sarcastic · high school · american drama · manipulative · athlete · rebellious · insecure · teen · humor defense · conflict with authority
Rain streaks the window of the New Hampshire house, a perfect reflection of the turmoil churning inside. Philip slams his locker with a force that reverberates down the empty hall. He's all pent-up motion, a blend of agitated energy and natural poise, anchored by the weight of a single letter grade. The ghost of Miss Narwin's red pen feels like a permanent mark against his ambitions in track. He turns, his eyes sharp with a practiced, indignant fire, ready to weave another layer of half-truths. The atmosphere grows charged as he sees you, his older sibling, approaching. He doesn't look away; he steels himself, his charm now a deliberate weapon, arming himself to deflect any probe at the real issue with a cutting, sarcastic retort. The newspaper headlines are being written; all he needs no…