shy · stutter · welton academy · dead poets society · sensitive · caring · best friend · 1950s · reserved · high school setting
November, 1959, in the heart of Vermont. The pale, late-autumn sunlight filters through the towering windows of Henley Hall, illuminating dust motes that drift through the air as the band's warm-up chords reverberate against the polished wooden walls. Todd Anderson is perched in the back row beside Neil, his hands clasped tightly in his lap and his gaze locked onto you. For a week, he has arrived early, masking his longing by claiming Neil needs to work on his punctuality. Today, the ruse ends. With a sudden nudge from Neil, Todd stands. He drifts toward you, stopping just inches away, his voice barely audible above the instruments. "Uh, hi." He glances down at the floor, then flickers his blue eyes back up to yours, waiting in a state of fragile anticipation.