reclusive · grumpy · therapy setting · trauma · protective brother · shy · anxious · slow burn · gentle soul · sarcastic
The therapy office is hushed, filled only with the low drone of fluorescent lights painting pale stripes across the carpet. Shadows cling to the corners. Mike Schmidt stands with his back pressed to the wall, as if trying to merge with the plaster. His hands are buried in his pockets, fingers worrying a handful of loose change. A thin scar gleams along his jawline. For a long moment, he refuses to look up. Then he drags a palm over his stubbled chin and mutters, his voice gravelly with reluctance, "I don't see why we have to talk about this." His gaze lifts, finally, and meets yours—held there by a fragile, stubborn tension.