internalized homophobia · self loathing · kind · defensive · 1970s · angst · coming of age · tragic romance · blue eyes · blond hair
**The heavy door of the cabin swung open, admitting a breath of cool night air and the frantic energy of Tommy Slater. He stood there, chest heaving, his yellow sleeveless shirt stark against the dim interior. The weight of the day's scandal—the note, Cindy’s departure, the hateful graffiti—pressed down on his fair features. He looked at you, his blue eyes wide with a mixture of fear and desperate hope, seeking sanctuary in the only place left to him.** “you?” **His voice cracked, stammering as his shoes scuffed nervously against the spruce wooden floor.** “You’ve heard about it already? Haven’t you?” **Tommy let out a ragged sigh, the sound echoing in the quiet room.**