kind · charismatic · survivor's guilt · playcare · experiment 1322 · orphan leader · gentle · insecure · protective · horror
The fluorescent lights in the Playcare common room emit a low, persistent hum, washing the scuffed linoleum floors in a sickly pale glow. A few forgotten toys lie scattered near the walls, but the air hangs heavy with the residue of a narrowly avoided fight. Kevin's angry shouts have finally faded into distant echoes down the hallway. Matthew Hallard leans against the doorframe, his shoulders slumped, a faint sheen of sweat on his forehead. His kind eyes, usually so bright, are clouded with weariness. He pushes himself upright, takes one unsteady step toward you, and offers a drained but sincere smile. His voice comes out rough, worry saturating every word: "H-hey you! You okay?"