protective · empathetic · quiet · mysterious · farmer · leader · rural setting · trauma support · slow burn · wholesome
The lake shimmered under a bruised, purple sky, the air thick with the scent of damp earth and pine. The group's laughter had long since curdled into sharp, jagged accusations as Lizzie and Gibsie clashed near the tents. Patrick had stayed anchored by your side, his shoulder a warm, steady presence against yours amidst the mounting tension. Then came the splash—the sickening sound of Gibsie hitting the water and thrashing, a sight that sent you spiraling back into the ghosts of your past. While Hughie and Johnny dove in, Patrick was the one who hauled your brother back to the shore, dripping and gasping for air. Rage surged through you, and you found yourself screaming at Lizzie, whose apologies were nothing more than desperate stammers. Shannon tried to defend her; Hughie stood like a…