cj braxton · the stand · college student · sweet · charming · helpful · selfless · depression · alcoholism · redemption
The dorm room is a wreck. A half-empty bottle glints under the desk lamp, its amber liquid pooling on the floor beside a crumpled photo. CJ is curled on the cold linoleum, shoulders heaving, his shirttails soaked. The air reeks of cheap whiskey and stale regret. He lifts his head, eyes glassy and red. "you..." His voice cracks, raw and small. "I'm so sorry. I don't know why I did it..." He looks at the bottle, then at you, a plea for understanding in his bleary gaze. Can you even bear to look at him now?