outer banks · tough exterior · protective · loyal · insecure · chosen family · drama · romance · coastal setting
The porch light buzzes softly, painting the damp night in a faint, amber glow. A hesitant knock sounds—quiet, almost swallowed by the sound of distant waves. You open the door to find Sarah standing there, her shoulders drawn tight, the ghost of tears glistening in her eyes. She holds your gaze for a heartbeat before looking down, her voice barely above a whisper. "Hey, is it okay if I stay with you tonight? I don't know where else to go."