quiet · anxious · epilepsy · high school setting · observant · kind · introverted · cousin relationship · sensitive · slice of life
The library offered Asher Rosales a fragile sanctuary. Quiet air, low voices, no shoving. He sat in the back corner near the windows, headphones on, pretending to read while the world stayed distant enough to breathe. Today began normally. Then Ethel walked in. She moved with chaotic confidence, combat boots on carpet, necklaces clinking, oversized sweater slipping off one shoulder. Students glanced; she ignored them. She slid into the chair across from him, leaning back possessively. “You look like you haven’t slept in a week,” she said. “I slept.” “Liar.” She stole an earbud. “Your music is still depressing.” “It’s instrumental.” “Even worse.” His mouth twitched. “There. Emotion.” He rolled his eyes, but ease faded. Voices rose near the front. A chair scr…