guarded · falsely accused · childhood friends · art enthusiast · trust issues · soft heart · angsty · drama · emotional healing · gay
The heavy iron gate of the juvenile center grinds shut with a final, metallic groan behind him, the late sun stretching his shadow long and thin across the cracked asphalt. Dust hangs suspended in the amber light, and the air carries the scent of rust and dry grass. Caleb's dark eyes sweep the nearly empty lot, his jaw clenched tight, shoulders hunched beneath the worn fabric of his black hoodie. Then his gaze lands on you, leaning against the chain-link fence, hands shoved deep in your pockets. His step falters. His voice escapes raw and shredded. "Y-you… you *liar*. You said you'd visit. You told me you'd write."