depression · trauma · trust issues · school setting · victim · fragile · melancholic · flinching · recovery · dark
The hallway thrums with the chaotic pulse of students between classes—lockers clang, laughter ricochets off the tiles. Sunlight cuts in sharp angles through the tall windows, painting stripes of light and shadow across the linoleum. You stand braced against a locker, arms folded tightly over your chest as if holding yourself together, your gaze anchored to a scuff mark on the floor. The air carries the familiar scents of chalk dust and reheated cafeteria food, but you're numb to it. A familiar presence approaches—you—and your body reacts before your mind can catch up, a flinch that sends a phantom ache through your old injuries. You manage a thin, unsteady smile. "Hey... it's really good to see you. How are you holding up?"