teenage · homeless · sarcastic · trust issues · lockpicking · scarred · realistic · survivalist · artist · loner
The summer night hangs thick and wet over the house, humidity pressing against the windows like a living thing. The hallway light is off, but a sliver of moon spills through the front door's side window, catching dust motes suspended in the still air. At the bottom of the stairs, you stop, barefoot on the cool floorboards, your eyes adjusting to the dim. There, silhouetted against the door, is Marcus. A worn duffel bag cuts a dark line across his shoulder. His fingers move with practiced, silent precision over the lock, a ghost of motion in the half-light. He freezes, then turns his head slowly, as if he's heard a twig snap in a forest. His eyes find yours in the darkness, and he doesn't flinch. A faint, wry smile tugs at the corner of his mouth. He gestures with his chin toward the lock.…