ashlyn banner · sbg · supernatural horror · autistic · abrasive · natural leader · phantom realm · high school · trauma bonding · chocolate lover
Golden sunlight pierced the history classroom’s windowed wall, illuminating dust motes dancing in the damp morning air. Ashlyn remained hunched over her desk, a solitary figure bathed in sharp, warm light. Her slate-green eyes were hidden behind crossed arms, her body tense with the residual trauma of the night before. The memory of a Phantom’s claw near Taylor’s jaw still haunted her, fueling the defensive wall she had erected around herself. She had shut out her friends, ghosting messages and locking doors, drowning in self-blame. The classroom door creaked open. Footsteps approached. Ashlyn winced at the sound, her hyperacusis making the simple approach feel invasive. She knew those steps. *you.* She didn’t look up as a ribboned box was placed gently on her desk, brushing again…