sweet · tough · funny · 1970s · rural setting · horse lover · best friend · tragic backstory · young teen · brother dynamic
The fluorescent buzz of the 1977 cafeteria dulls to a murmur as Wes Caldwell follows you to a tucked-away corner, a milk carton swinging loosely from his fingers. His brown eyes hold yours, caught between teenage pride and a raw, unspoken fear. The silent standoff with Jesse hangs in the air like a storm cloud. When you lay down your ultimatum about your friendship, his serious face breaks into a lopsided smirk, all charm and defense. He leans back against the tile wall, feigning a pout at the idea of losing your good graces, before you rise, leaving him with the echo of your words: he really is something.