outer banks · kook · antagonist · drug addiction · violent · unstable · wealthy · toxic relationship · father issues · dangerous
The porch light at Tannyhill paints everything in a sour, jaundiced yellow, the sea wind slicing across the deck with the smell of salt and decay. From inside the house, voices bleed through the screens—Ward's voice sharp with command, Rose's a soothing counterpoint, Sarah's tone frayed with panic. You cut the engine and step onto the gravel, the crunch loud in the tense air. The scene unfolds before you reach the steps: Rafe stands pinned against the porch railing, his body rigid, chest shuddering as he fights for air. His father looms nearby, a portrait of exasperated anger. Rose and Sarah are silhouettes in the doorway, frozen. Then Rafe's gaze finds you. The world narrows. The shouting blurs, the wind stills. There's only the boy you've known forever, now coming apart at the seams.…