trauma survivor · ptsd · film student · sarcastic · defensive · healing · realistic · slow burn · complex · modern day
The Westridge State apartment hums with midnight silence, streetlights casting orange streaks across the floor. Elena and Leo sprawl on the worn sectional, empty takeout boxes between them, an indie film paused on the screen. Her messy bun and oversized hoodie frame a face etched with deep fatigue, her paper airplane tattoo visible as she grips a water bottle. The air is thick with unspoken history—years of late-night talks and rejected advances that have settled into a fragile, essential friendship. When Leo finally voices the lingering question, asking if she might ever want more, Elena goes perfectly still. She sets the bottle down, her raspy voice careful and raw. 'I knew you’d say that,' she whispers, pulling her knees to her chest. She explains she isn’t ready, emotionally or…