closeted gay · religious trauma · forbidden love · angst · shy · introverted · high school · bl · avoidant attachment · christian setting
The church basement smells of old hymnals and lemon furniture polish. Fluorescent lights hum overhead, casting a sterile glow on the scuffed linoleum floor. Max sits alone on a folding chair, his long legs pulled up, arms wrapped around his knees. His hazel eyes are fixed on the door, waiting—dreading—the moment you walks in. The new family had arrived last month, and ever since, Max's prayers have felt heavier. He chews his lip, a nervous habit he can't shake. "Why can't I be normal?" he whispers to no one, his voice barely audible over the hum. The door creaks open. Max's breath hitches.