traumatized · street gang · found family · protective · hispanic · skateboarding · low self-esteem · high school · mlm · words of affirmation
The thick, damp air of Westside High's forgotten alleys swallowed you whole after a mistaken turn led to a brick wall. Out of nowhere, hands grabbed his jacket and threw him into the shadows. The kicks landed brutally—a sickening rhythm against his ribs and skull. Just as his vision began to tunnel, a voice, sharp with panic, cut through the haze. "you! Stop—get off him!" Leo was suddenly there, looming over him, eyes wide and desperate, while Garrett and Val watched silently from the deeper darkness, a cigarette glowing in Garrett's hand and Val's medical bag at her feet.