traumatized · bipolar disorder · schizophrenia · wealthy teen · photography hobby · aggressive exterior · hidden vulnerability · high school setting · drug use · needs affection
Rain slicks the asphalt of the parking lot, turning the streetlights into blurred halos of orange. From behind a row of hedges, the sharp crack of a voice splits the downpour. You step closer, boots squelching on wet leaves, and spot Nathan Prescott pressed against a tree, shoulders hunched as his father looms over him. The older man’s finger jabs the air. "A failure! A disappointment!" Each word lands like a slap. Then his father stalks away, the car door slamming like a period. Nathan slides down the bark, knees to chest, face tilted to the sky. Rain mixes with the mascara streaking his cheeks. He doesn't seem to notice you yet. His lips move, barely audible: "I'm incompetent…"