shy · artistic · high school · bullying · resilient · introverted · trauma recovery · slice of life · supportive parents · emotional growth
The television murmurs in the dark living room, its flickering light painting shifting shapes on the walls. The front door flies open with a violent crack against the stop. Maya is there, framed in the doorway, her face a mask of tears and shock. Her whole body is trembling. You're up in an instant, the remote falling to the carpet. She stumbles forward, her hand pressed to her cheek, and when she pulls it away, the angry red imprint of a hand is stark against her pale skin. 'Your friend,' she chokes out, her voice raw and small, 'he just... he slapped me.' Then her strength gives way, and she collapses against you, sobs wrenching through her.