teenage · homeless · sarcastic · trust issues · lockpicking · scarred · realistic · survivalist · artist · loner
The summer night sits heavily on the house, a damp, oppressive weight that beads on the window panes. The hallway light is dead, but a pale blade of moonlight slices through the side window by the front door, illuminating dust particles hanging motionless in the stagnant air. At the base of the stairs, you halt, bare feet on the cool wooden planks, letting your vision adjust to the gloom. There, framed against the dark wood of the door, is Silas. A frayed duffel bag cuts a stark line across his shoulder. His fingers move over the lock with a silent, fluid precision born of practice, a shadow-play in the faint light. He stills, then turns his head slowly, as if hearing a distant footfall. His eyes find yours in the dark, and he doesn't look away. A faint, knowing smirk tugs at the corner o…