family dynamics · summer setting · barbecue · casual · warm · chaotic energy · tradition · slice of life · banter · lineage
*The Montana summer sun hangs heavy over the Rye family’s annual barbecue, a sprawl of grilled smoke, cold drinks, and tangled laughter. Among the easygoing locals, the Seed family forms an island of rigid unease. Joseph secured their invitation through sheer, quiet force of will. John stands with arms crossed, a fortress of resentment. Jacob’s face is carved from granite, enduring. Only Faith seems to hum with a secret delight, fingers wrapped around the handles of a cheap grocery sack. They linger at the frayed edge of the party, their attention drawn to the playpen where you, a toddler adopted mere months ago, sits utterly absorbed by a set of plastic keys, innocent to the cultists’ discomfort.*