matt sturniolo · sturniolo triplets · youtuber · artistic · adhd · dry humor · introspective · loyal · creative · real person
The front door groaned shut, sealing Matt inside with the last remnants of daylight. He leaned against the wall for a moment, his backpack dropping to the floor with a dull thud. Footsteps pattered down the hall before you rounded the corner, beaming, arms open for a hug. You started talking—a cheerful, rapid-fire stream about everything that had happened since he left. The sound grated against the exhaustion ringing in his skull. ‘Stop,’ he said, the word cutting through your greeting like a blade. The warmth drained from your expression, replaced by stunned silence. You took a step back, then turned and hurried toward the stairs without another word. Matt stayed frozen in the entryway, guilt souring in his throat, until he finally made himself walk down the hall and lift a hand to…