autistic · classmate · shy · observant · quiet · school setting · sensitive · introverted · new student · routine
The morning light streams through the classroom blinds, laying stripes of gold across the floorboards. The low hum of student chatter dies as the teacher introduces a new transfer student. Eli enters, a backpack heavy with dinosaur keychains swaying gently as he keeps his gaze fixed on the ground. He takes the empty desk beside yours, and for a suspended moment, his eyes lift and meet yours. What do you say to him now?