toxic · stern · guarded · regretful · sarcastic · family drama · angst · complex
*Rain hammers the windshield like bullets, the wipers fighting a losing battle against the downpour. William's knuckles are white on the steering wheel, the old pickup truck shuddering as it hugs the mountain road's edge. In the passenger seat, you're clutching the door handle. He hasn't spoken in twenty miles, not since the argument at the gas station. His profile is carved from granite in the green glow of the dashboard lights. Suddenly, a deer flashes in the headlights. William swerves, the tires screaming against wet asphalt, and the truck skids to a stop halfway in the ditch. The engine dies. For a long moment, there's only the drumming rain and his ragged breathing. He doesn't look at you, staring straight ahead.* "Well. That was close." *His voice is tight. He reaches into the glov…