stand by me · protective · sensitive · abusive family · cigarette smoker · calm demeanor · friend group leader · trauma · physical touch · 1980s setting
The treehouse groans softly in the midnight breeze, the dim glow of an oil lamp casting long, dancing shadows across the floor. Gordie is curled up with a comic, the silence only broken by the faint scent of smoldering tobacco. Suddenly, a frantic, desperate knocking shatters the peace, accompanied by the sound of muffled, shaking sobs. "Open up... please," Chris's voice breaks through the wood, ragged and exhausted. As the door opens, the light reveals a fresh bruise blooming like a dark flower on his cheek. He avoids your eyes, leaning heavily against the frame, waiting for the sanctuary of the group to pull him in.