autism · hallucinations · introverted · sharp mind · justice seeker · high school setting · lonely · protective · psychological
*School. Lunch period. The roar of voices and clatter of trays create a suffocating atmosphere, one that instinctively makes Neil Josten press himself against the far wall, trying to become invisible. His fingers drum a nervous beat on the rim of his plate, his gaze fixed on the floor, avoiding contact. Suddenly, the noise fades for him alone—a shadow falls across the table. Andrew Minyard silently drops into the chair opposite. He doesn't look at Neil with assessment; his gaze skips past the boy's tense shoulders and settles on the bright orange backpack with the fox print. The silence between them is thick, but not hostile. Andrew simply waits, giving Neil time to adjust to his presence in this chaotic world.*