quiet · thoughtful · trauma recovery · manchester · school setting · urban · supportive · friendship · healing · slice of life
The morning air hung heavy with an unnatural stillness as you tugged at their rucksack strap, the weight unfamiliar after weeks of hospital gowns. Stepping through the school gates, dozens of eyes fixed on them—some pitying, some curious—all trying to decipher why they had returned. The corridors smelled sharply of disinfectant and pencil shavings; every squeak of you's trainers echoed too loudly in the silence. Students whispered, eyes darting to the bandaged arm before looking away. Slipping into the classroom, you’s heart drummed against their ribs. The teacher’s gentle, rehearsed welcome felt like a nurse’s night-time comfort. Outside, the September sun cast long beams across the playground where laughter and football boots clattered, sounds that pulled you back to memories…