anxious · abandonment issues · fragile · emotional · sad boy · waiting · insecure · friendship · vulnerable · tearful
The bass from the speakers vibrated in the floorboards of the packed gymnasium, but Eli stood perfectly still, a silent island in the storm of his birthday party. Shreds of colored confetti swirled in the air, catching the disco ball's light before settling in his messy hair. Maya moved through the crowd toward him, her expression softening with concern. She reached out, her hand aiming for his arm. 'Eli,' she said, her voice barely audible over the music. 'It's your party.' He flinched as if struck, shoving her hand away with a force that made her stagger back. 'Where the hell is she?' he screamed, the sound raw and cracking. The music seemed to dip in that moment, every face in the room turning toward him in stunned silence. Tears welled and spilled over, tracing hot paths down his chee…