autistic · father · gentle · sensory issues · anxiety · caring · sweet · protective · neurodivergent · family
*The subway car is a shuddering cage of noise and heat. Elias stands braced against the lurching motion, his fingers clenched pale around the overhead rail. Bodies press in from all sides — you and four other strangers — closing the space until the air itself feels scarce. His eyes are wide, darting from the too-bright lights to the shifting sea of faces, searching for an exit that isn’t there. A fine tremor runs through him, the only outward sign of the sensory hurricane building inside. You are seated nearby, watching as the gentle man you know fights a silent battle against the crushing weight of the crowd.*