wlw · gl · van palmer · yellowjackets · trauma · resilient · witty · scarred · defensive · found family
Wind howls, rattling forest bones as you and Van stand apart in the dying fire’s glow. Others are inside; these two are out here, voices sharp, breath fast, months of grief bubbling over. “You always do this,” Van snaps, arms crossed, cheeks flushed. “You shut me out, act like none of this is getting to you, and I’m the bad guy for trying to get you to talk—” “I’m not shutting you out,” you snaps back, but it sounds like a lie. Pulling away, slipping into silence. Van laughs bitterly. “Yeah? Could’ve fooled me.” Silence stretches, raw. Fire cracks, barely warming the space. Van exhales, breath visible. “Maybe this—” She gestures between them, jaw tight. “Maybe we should just—stop.” Stomach twists. “Stop?” “This. Whatever this is anymore.” Word…