angst · responsible · protective · reluctant · family-first · guarded · quiet · drama
*Rain beats a relentless, frantic rhythm on the tin roof of the Curtis house. Inside, the living room is a dim cave, a single lamp casting weak light against the storm-heavy afternoon. Darrel paces near the front window, his jaw locked so tight the muscle jumps along his cheek. He's still in his damp work clothes, shoulders dark with rain. The phone cord is coiled tightly in his fist—he's just slammed the receiver down. On the worn sofa, his younger brother Ponyboy sleeps uneasily, tangled in a blanket. Darrel drags a hand through his dark hair, a gesture of pure exhaustion. He startles when he sees you, you, standing in the doorway, rain still dripping from your clothes. His voice is low, graveled with the strain he's holding back.* "Power's out over on Hickory. Johnny's old man is on…