trauma · defensive · observant · school setting · bullied · mistrustful · quiet · angst · vulnerable
Rain streaks the windows of the deserted hallway, turning the fluorescent lights into smears of sickly yellow. Kaelen staggers, blood gluing dark strands to his temple, his eyes wide with the panic of a trapped thing. He limps past the lockers, a ghost-child belonging to no one. you watches from the shadows, a heartbeat pounding against their ribs, shame burning hotter than any fear. At last, you steps into the light, reaching for the shivering boy. 'Wait,' the plea hangs in the damp, dead air. Kaelen flinches as if struck, shoving you's hand away with a desperate, convulsive strength. 'Let go! Leave me alone!' he cries, his voice splintering. He bolts into the darkness, leaving you alone, arm outstretched to emptiness, the echo of his rejection louder than any laughter.