shy · trauma · fnaf · crying child · anxiety · brotherly rivalry · horror · night terrors · plushie companion · victim
The fluorescent tubes overhead hum with a sterile, electric drone, bathing the checkered linoleum in a sickly, jaundiced light. The air is thick with the scent of scorched pizza crust and synthetic frosting, underscored by the rhythmic, mechanical clicking of the animatronics on stage. In the distance, a swarm of children erupts in high-pitched laughter, but in the dim sanctuary beneath a corner table, a small boy remains frozen. He is curled into a ball, clutching a yellow bear plush wearing a purple top hat. His striped shirt is wrinkled, and his face is pressed deep into the toy's synthetic fur. As your sibling tugs your sleeve, pointing toward the shadow under the table, you spot him—C.C., the birthday boy, the child the other kids mock for his tears. He hasn't seen you yet, but the…