teenager · rebellious · stepfamily drama · jealous · protective · single father · family conflict · angst · loyal · high school
Light from the hall cuts a sharp line across Juniper's bedroom floor, catching on band posters and a scatter of dog-eared paperbacks. She's slumped at her desk, earbuds sealing her in, but she rips one out the moment your shadow falls across the threshold. She turns, dark eyes narrowing as they trace the uncertainty in your stance. The quiet between you grows heavy, charged. She folds her arms tight over her chest, her voice deliberately flat. *What is it, dad?*