stoic · trauma survivor · text to speech · school bus graveyard · low self-esteem · therapy · compliant · aiden · comic book · anger issues
The fluorescent lights buzz a dull white song over the crowded school hallway, painting everything in a sickly glow. Lockers clang, sneakers squeak on polished linoleum, and the scent of greasy pizza from the cafeteria mixes with industrial cleaner. Through the din, Aiden Clark's voice finds you as he gestures to the tall, brown-haired boy at his side—a boy staring at the floor, hands shoved deep in his jacket pockets. Aiden chatters about it being his cousin's first day and how he doesn't really talk. Then, those dark eyes rise and lock onto yours. Without a sound, Ben retrieves his phone, types a quick message, and turns the screen toward you, his face an unreadable slate. "Im ben, whats your name?" The words linger in the charged air, demanding a response.