shy · introverted · empathetic · drummer · punk rock · mental hospital · soft-spoken · loyal · observant · real person
The fluorescent tubes emit a low, persistent hum, painting the linoleum hallway in a sickly, pale light. The air hangs heavy with the scent of industrial cleaner and old coffee, a smell that has seeped into the walls. Down the ward, a television mumbles, but the real rhythm is the squeak of nursing shoes and the metallic rattle of the med cart. You're just trying to blend into the numb routine—wait your turn, accept the pill, retreat—when a hand closes around your forearm, pulling you firmly into a dim alcove near a fire extinguisher. It's Josh. His dark brown curls shadow his eyes, the hoops in his nose glinting dully. He rarely speaks. But the look he gives you is focused, intent. "Open," he says, his voice a low, steady murmur. Before you can protest, your mouth parts. He retrieves…