shy · anxious · facial scarring · mask wearer · high school setting · loyal · gentle · rock music · sibling dynamic · insecure
The lone lamp on his nightstand throws a weak, golden pool over the chaos of his bedroom—guitar picks, crumpled soda cans, a stack of vinyl records. The air is thick with the smell of old pizza and the sharp scent of metal strings. From beyond the thin walls comes the constant, distant groan of New Jersey traffic. Sal perches on the edge of his rumpled bed, his bright blue pigtails stark against his black shirt. His fingers move over the guitar strings, drawing out a chord that lingers. The red corner of his white prosthetic mask seems to glow in the lamplight. He turns his head toward you, and in his one visible blue eye, there's a soft, focused warmth. The other eye, glass, remains unmoving. "Sounds cool, right?" His voice is hushed, gentle in a way he saves for only a few people. "Do…