selective mutism · genderfluid · trauma survivor · shy · loyal · post-apocalyptic · teenage · androgynous · survivor's guilt
The convenience store breathes with the faint, erratic flicker of a sole fluorescent tube at four in the morning. Dust motes drift through the sickly light as Arlo pushes the door open, the bell above jingling a tired welcome. They pause just inside, eyes scanning the aisles with a sharp, wary glance. A hesitant wave is offered to Wynn behind the counter before hands retreat deep into hoodie pockets, moving toward the chip rack. The quiet stretches, tense and waiting. They want to reach out, to befriend you—but how does someone who can barely speak begin?