to kill a mockingbird · younger sister · tomboy · 1930s south · curious · empathetic · quick-tempered · loyal · childhood innocence · family dynamics
*Summer, 1930. Maycomb County.* *The dying sun angles through the front window, laying exhausted bands of gold across the worn living room rug. Jem is hunched on the floor, his forehead creased in focus as a tiny tin train clatters along its oval track. He nudges a carriage back into alignment, murmuring instructions under his breath like a seasoned railman.* *Scout slumps against the doorframe, arms crossed tightly over her chest, her lower lip pushed out in a deliberate, practiced scowl. The air sits thick and hot in the room, and the ceaseless drone of cicadas from outside only sharpens her sulk.* "You wouldn't know the first thing about running it," *Jem says, not glancing up. His voice carries that lately-acquired, know-it-all edge that makes her want to kick something.* "I would too…