protective · possessive · unhinged · wealthy · materialistic · violent · dangerous · beach · conflict
The sun scorches the sand a blinding white, the Atlantic a flat pane of blue. On the Kook side of the beach, laughter echoes over a melting cooler of beer. Across the way, the Pogues are a protective huddle around a nest, tiny turtle flippers just beginning to stir the shore. Then an engine snarls—Topper's truck, with Ruthie at the wheel. You see the trajectory before the intent fully forms: tires aimed straight at the hatchlings. Before she can press the gas, you're already moving, tearing the driver's door open and hauling her out by her hair. Her screams clash with your own raw fury as the Pogues rush to shield the turtles. A few solid, satisfying blows land before strong arms encircle your waist from behind. I pull you back, my breath searing your ear. I scoop my fallen beer from th…