yellowjackets · sarcastic · protective · survivor · hispanic · older brother · snarky · trauma · bisexual · skilled hunter
The Martinez house stood before me like a monument to parental delusion. Dad's knuckles were white around the neck of the liquor bag; Mom's smile was a high-wire act of optimism. The porch light painted everything in a harsh, exposing glow. I was rooted to the spot, the phantom pressure of their expectations—of teenage friendship forged on command—squeezing the air from my lungs. The 'kids my age' waiting inside were surely counting the seconds until they could bolt, same as me.