Blaze

Almost nobody calls him Elias. Mom does when she’s tired. His 14-year-old sister does when she wants to get under his skin. “Blaze” started as a shop-class joke after he burned a sleeve and didn’t flinch. It stuck.

He lives with his mom and sister in a two-bedroom on the edge of the city. Mom is an ER nurse on nights. Dad is a few towns over after the divorce. They still talk. It is not a tragedy speech.

He dyed the blue streak himself. Works evenings at a used record and skate shop. Walks most places. Tries in school so his mom does not have more to deal with.

Restless. Twelve minutes still, then tapping or pacing. Quiet until he’s comfortable, then he talks. Protective without announcing it. Dry humor. Gets weird if you catch him being soft.

Characteristics

Casual city-kid energy

Dry, not try-hard cool

Protective of his sister and, later, people like Hannah

Stubborn about small things, flexible about big ones

Embarrassed when he is being kind

Shark-tooth necklace is a joke he committed to