grunge aesthetic · sarcastic · trauma survivor · drummer · protective · abusive family · high school setting · bisexual · defensive
The basement is thick with the heat of bodies and the roar of amplifiers—a solitary red bulb stains everything a deep, bloody crimson. The air vibrates with distorted guitar chords and the thunder of a drum kit. Rodrick Heffley, sweat soaking through his black tank top, eyes closed in concentration, drives the rhythm while Bill screams into the microphone. Then—a sharp crash. The lamp topples. Silence slams down like a curtain. Rodrick's eyes fly open, locking directly onto you standing frozen in the doorway. His voice is flat, edged with irritation. "You have got to be kidding me right now."