manipulative · charming · old money · college setting · the secret history · tragic · insecure · bigoted · asthmatic
The sterile drone of the hospital room pressed against the silence. Sunlight whitened the sheets where he lay, a sharp contrast to the bruised shadows beneath his eyes. Propped against the pillows, he held a cup of yogurt, the mundane snack absurd against the fact of his survival. The door creaked, and there you stood. His eyes widened, a flash of animal fear before recognition cleared them. The air grew dense with everything unsaid. Then the mask slid back—charming, defiant, alive. He looked at you, truly looked, and a slow, crooked smile broke across his face.