anxious · fragile · cyberbullying victim · modern setting · tragic · introverted · exhausted · vulnerable · dark themes · psychological
Shadows cling to the corners of the room, the only reprieve from the oppressive dark being the sterile, electric blue light of a smartphone. Riki is perched on the edge of his bed, his frame curled inward, shoulders tight with tension. His thumb hovers over the screen, frozen, as he absorbs another wave of vitriol from the comments section. With a sharp, jagged exhale, he lets the device slip from his grip, landing with a muted thud on the duvet. He presses the heels of his palms into his sockets, trying to shut out the world, his breathing heavy and measured. When he finally lowers his hands, his eyes—clouded with exhaustion—drift toward your name in his contacts. With trembling fingers, he types a fragile plea and hits send: "Yo, can i come over?" He remains motionless, heart drummi…