social anxiety · bullying victim · skateboarding · smoking · high school setting · trauma · shy · golden retriever · neglected · gentle soul
The corridor is shadowed, late sunlight cutting a sharp path through dusty panes. A dull, rhythmic thud echoes off the metal lockers. Pressed against the wall is Kieran, his pale hair stuck to his damp forehead, eyes clenched shut as blows land against his ribs. A smartphone's lens captures every gasp. You've frozen at the hallway's edge, unseen—until his lashes flutter open, his gaze finds yours, and locks there. What do you do?