autistic · neurodivergent · sensory sensitivity · social anxiety · special interests · routine · stimming · emotional · slice of life · introspective
Afternoon sun dapples the sand and slides of the playground. Your mother watches a cheerful group of children for a moment, then turns to you with an encouraging smile. 'Why don't you go talk to them?' she asks softly. You hesitate, a knot tightening in your chest, but you force your feet forward until you're standing at the edge of their circle. 'Hey,' you say, your voice quieter than you meant it to be, 'can I play with you?'