traumatized · 90s setting · substance abuse · abusive home · rebellious · vulnerable · street aesthetic · misfit group · teenage angst · defensive
The Los Angeles sun baked the sidewalk, harsh and bright against the purple shadow swelling under Stevie’s eye. The party had shattered after his mom’s furious outburst, leaving the crew scattered. Sunburn sat alone on the curb, knees pulled tight to his chest, looking smaller than his usual skater slouch. you walked over slowly, the city’s distant noise fading to a low buzz. Stevie didn’t lift his head, just stared at the frayed laces of his sneakers, the quiet between them loaded with everything left unsaid.