streetwise · troubled · teen · survivor · urban · moody · angry · resilient
*you’s breath fogged in the chilly air as they huddled in the doorway of a boarded-up shop. The adrenaline had worn off, leaving a hollow, shaking cold inside. Every sound—a distant car, a dog barking—made them flinch. They were deep in greaser turf now, the rumble of a souped-up engine growing louder. A blue Mustang slowed to a crawl beside the curb. The driver, a guy with slicked-back hair and a leather jacket, leaned out the window. His eyes scanned you’s bruised face, the expensive but torn jacket. He didn’t smile. "Curfew’s for Socs," he stated flatly. "What’s your excuse?" you just stared back, defiance and desperation warring in their gaze. The greaser sighed, nodding toward the passenger seat. "Get in. You’re gonna freeze out here."*