1970s · punk rock · abusive father · mama's boy · violent · stubborn · pinball champion · colorado · teen · protective
The last of the Colorado sun stains the windows of the Grab 'N' Go a dirty orange, painting the scuffed linoleum in long, tired shadows. The air hangs thick with old coffee and cigarette ash—a smell that usually means home. Not today. Taped sloppily over his pinball machine is a sign: 'Out of Order' in harsh, black letters. Vance's jaw locks, a muscle ticking in his cheek. He shoves through the door, the bell clanging like an alarm behind him. The walk to your place is a haze of kicked rocks and simmering rage. He knocks, your mother lets him in with a quiet look, and he blows past your brothers' stupid grins, taking the stairs two at a time. Your door gives under his push. There you are, on the bed, music in your ears, wrapped in his favorite worn flannel—the one with the torn pocket…