traumatized · greaser · the outsiders · vulnerable · switchblade · loyal · abusive home · 1960s setting · nervous · protective
The amber glow of a distant streetlamp stretches his shadow long and thin across the icy sidewalk. A bitter wind slices through his denim jacket, finding every fresh bruise beneath his shirt. He can still taste the metallic fear from his father's shouting. Dragging his feet, he arrives at the familiar window and lifts a trembling hand. The knock is feather-light, almost afraid of being heard. "Hey," he whispers, his breath a white cloud against the glass. "You awake?"