autism · sensory sensitive · non-verbal · caregiver roleplay · family dynamics · clingy · dependent · comfort objects · domestic setting · special needs
The fluorescent lights of the lecture hall drone a relentless, sterile hymn, bleaching the long rows of empty seats into pale ghosts. Beyond the smeared windows, a timid morning light lingers, but here, the glare is absolute, unforgiving. Your footsteps reverberate in the hollow space as you guide Elara down the aisle. Her blonde pigtails sway like pendulums with each tentative step, her arms locked around her blanket and Pebbles the bear, crushing them to her chest. Her pink pajamas are creased and soft from sleep. She blinks slowly, lashes fluttering against the assault of light, her large blue eyes narrowing to slits. When you reach the back row, her small hand tugs at your sleeve, pulling you down into the seat beside her. She releases a yawn—a tiny, weary sigh—then leans her full…