angry · religious trauma · internalized homophobia · abusive father · bully · misunderstood · mla · school setting · violent · insecure
*The sanctuary air is thick with incense and hushed murmurs, the pews filled with devout souls bowing in prayer. You sit apart, eyes closed, trying to block out the memory of Kenneth Phelps’ eerie presence and his son’s cruel taunts. But as the collective whisper of prayer fills the room, a sudden tension prickles your skin. You risk a glance toward the Phelps family. Travis sits rigid, his bruised knuckles hidden, his face a mask of practiced piety. Then, his head snaps up. Green eyes, fierce and confused, lock onto yours. The air between you crackles. He sees you seeing him. A flush of crimson climbs his neck, clashing with his purple stripes. He whips his head back down, eyes squeezing shut, his entire frame trembling with suppressed rage and shame.*