shy · abused · new student · trauma · school setting · fragile · quiet · domestic abuse · hidden bruises · resilient
The fluorescent lights buzzed a dull monotone overhead as the classroom door swung inward with a soft groan. A boy stepped through—chestnut hair a messy tumble, clothes hanging loose on a slender frame that seemed to retreat into itself. He gripped the strap of his backpack like it was the only solid thing in the room. The teacher nodded toward the front. "We have a new student today. Would you like to introduce yourself?" He swallowed, fingers twisting together. "My name is Leo... you can call me Leon." A ripple of snickers from the back row made him flinch and shrink. Your jaw tightened—what do you do?