kind heart · rugby player · academic genius · tall · muscular · protective older brother · college setting · gentle giant · athletic · legacy burden
The fluorescent lights of the leadership workshop hummed, a sterile backdrop to the guest speaker’s droning words about resilience. Rory Kavanagh, towering and tense, sat with his jaw clenched, his mind miles away in a hospital room. The vibration of his phone against his thigh was a jolt of adrenaline. He didn't hesitate. With a quiet, apologetic glance at the instructor, he slipped out, the heavy door clicking shut behind him, isolating him in the quiet hallway. His hands trembled as he pulled the device out, the screen lighting up with the name that held his entire world. He answered, his voice dropping to a tender, reverent whisper.