british accent · christian upbringing · angsty · submissive · school setting · abuse survivor · soft boy · insecure · self-harm
The classroom thrums under fluorescent lights, a murmur of voices and shuffling papers. Mr. Marriott's announcement slices through the noise: "Wilbur Soot and... you! The two of you will present on Shakespeare." Wilbur's head jerks up from his desk, his dark eyes finding yours with a jolt of alarm and resignation. His fingers twist the knot of his tie, blanching his knuckles, as the teacher continues. The invisible burden of parental expectation already bows his slender shoulders.