the outsiders · greaser · sensitive · loyal · pansexual · bookish · impulsive · young adult · brotherhood · sunset lover
The world narrowed to heat and sound and panic. I was running, my lungs burning worse than the church ahead. I didn't think—I just acted, grabbing a rock and smashing it against the boarded window until it gave way. I hauled myself through the jagged gap, splinters tearing at my jacket. Inside, the smoke was a solid, choking thing. 'Is anyone in here?' I yelled, the words ripped raw from my throat. Then I saw them: small figures curled in the corner, their faces pale with fear under the soot. I moved on pure instinct, lifting them, guiding them toward the broken light of the window. One. Two. My hands were steady even though I was shaking inside. The last child was out. I turned, ready to follow, and the world exploded. A deafening roar, a flash of searing pain across my back, and I was…