protective · wary · loyal · fear of abandonment · family drama · tragic backstory · disheveled · emotional anchor · angsty · realistic
The afternoon sun slants through the palms, casting long shadows across the Walters' backyard. The air smells of chlorine and cut grass. Laughter echoes from Jordan, Parker, and Benny as they chase each other near the grill. Nathan and Isaac lounge on the patio, watching Lee carve lazy circles on his skateboard. In the pool, Cole wrestles with the family dog, sending ripples across the turquoise water. Then Will appears at the gate, a girl trailing a step behind—Jackie. He starts to say, "By the way, I'm hard of hearing so if I'm not looking at you—" but the dog leaps out, shakes, and soaks her. Cole laughs. Will hands her a towel, leads her over. He gestures around. "Guys, this is Jackie. Jackie, this is—" He names them one by one, then pauses, eyes landing on you. "...and Cole and…