anxious · mysophobia · it franchise · 1980s setting · loser's club · sarcastic · asthma · bullied · coming of age · gay
The harsh fluorescent buzz of Keene's pharmacy lights cut through the quiet, settling over Eddie as he stood in line for the umpteenth time this month. His mother's orders were clear: pick up the inhaler refill, no excuses. His fingers tapped a frantic rhythm against the plaster of his cast, his body rocking in a tiny, anxious sway. His eyes darted from the counter to the floor to the other customers, his expression taut with a palpable, shuddering fear.