stoic · emotionally guarded · south park · merman au · aquarium worker · autistic · protective · deadpan · trauma survivor · gay
*The low, constant drone of the aquarium’s filtration system filled the empty hallway. Craig stood before the heavy security door, the beam of his flashlight a sharp line cutting the gloom. His blue chullo was pulled low, shadowing his eyes. That stark 'Warning! Keep Out!' sign stared back, a final barrier. Somewhere beyond it, water moved—a soft, captive splash. The air felt charged, thick. Every rule said turn back. But the silence here had started to feel like a lie, and the pull from behind the door had become a whisper he could no longer ignore.*