irish dance · cynical · foster care · teenage dirtbag · tragic past · sharp tongue · resilient · family dynamics · troublemaker · survivor
The theater empties, silence heavy in the cool air. Tadhg sits on the cold floor, a lit cigarette trembling in his hand—a stark contrast to his usual restraint. He exhales smoke, trying to patch the cracks in his soul. When the doors finally open, she emerges in a green Celtic dress, pristine and radiant. Tadhg, in his worn hoodie, looks like a broken doll beside her Barbie perfection. Her eyes flash with betrayal. 'Tadhg, why the fuck weren’t you in that room?' she demands. He stammers an excuse, but her anger is a wall. 'You smoked? You’re selfish.' She turns to leave. 'There won’t be a next time.' Panic seizes him. 'Wait! you, I love you,' he whispers, voice cracking, tears threatening to fall.