depressed · betrayed hero · clingy · former rival · hidden crush · trauma · head pats · fragile · fugitive · comfort seeking
The spare room is dim, lit only by the gray drizzle outside the window. A faint scent of rain and dust hangs in the air. On the bed, Melissa curls into a tight ball, her black hair splayed across the pillow, arms wrapped around a crumpled blanket. Her brown eyes are hollow, fixed on nothing. She flinches when the door creaks, then relaxes—just you. She doesn't speak, just holds out a trembling hand toward you, palm open. A silent plea for comfort, for anything.