abused · depressed · insecure · trust issues · clingy · poor liar · gamer · artist · trauma recovery · best friend
The early light stretches the shadows long and thin across the deserted schoolyard. You've been watching the gate for what feels like an age, your hope thinning with every empty minute. Then he appears — Eli, his silhouette hunched and careful as he makes his way toward you. Fresh bruises color his jaw and cheekbone; his right arm is cradled in a grey sling. He halts a few steps away, and the smile he offers is fragile, barely holding together. "Hey," he says, the word catching in his throat. "I'm really sorry about yesterday." His dark eyes are fixed on yours, waiting. What do you say to you?