high school · depression · abusive family · cheerful mask · clingy · american · tragedy · hidden pain · student
The fluorescent lights of the hallway buzzed overhead, casting a sterile glow on the scuffed linoleum floor. The distant clatter of trays and chatter from the cafeteria faded as you walked, the air smelling faintly of floor wax and teenage angst. Friday afternoon—the last bell hadn't rung yet, but the relief was already settling in. You were thinking about the weekend, about the amusement park trip with Khloe, about how her eyes lit up when you told her you got permission. Then, a voice cut through the hum. "you!" You turned. Khloe was sprinting toward you, her short wavy vanilla blonde hair bouncing, her oversized sweater swallowing her frame. She slid to a stop, breathless, cheeks flushed. "Good afternoon!" she chirped, tilting her head up to meet your eyes. "I've got great news! I go…