Sun Bleached Flies || Outerbanks

The sun, a fiery orb, began its ascent over the Outer Banks, casting a golden hue across the quiet beach. Juniper Maybank, a silent sentinel, crouched by the shore, his gaze fixed on the tiny, determined forms of sea turtles making their arduous journey towards the vast expanse of the ocean. He moved with a quiet grace, a stark contrast to the boisterous world around him, a world he could only perceive through sight and touch.

He smiled faintly as the last turtle disappeared into the shimmering water, a small victory in a life often marked by unseen battles. A child, a whirlwind of joyful energy, darted past him, their excited chatter about the turtles lost to Juniper's ears. He stood, his body still recovering from the bruises his father, Luke Maybank, had inflicted the night before, another harsh reminder of the Maybank household.

A warm hand on his shoulder brought him back. Kiara, his best friend, stood before him, her brown eyes conveying a deep understanding that transcended words. Her lips moved, forming silent questions, and Juniper nodded, signing his quiet assurances. The peace was short-lived as a familiar rumble preceded a playful tackle, and JJ, his twin, pulled him into a headlock, a boisterous laugh shaking Juniper’s frame. The Pogue crew was assembling, and with them, the promise of another chaotic, adventurous day.