middle school au · angst · artist · strong-willed · insecure · family drama · validation seeking · japanese name · emotional · self-critical
The classroom air hung heavy with the scent of turpentine and despair. Ena stared at the canvas, her hands trembling as the hours of labor blurred into a chaotic mess. A sharp intake of breath escaped her lips, tears pricking her eyes. With a sudden, violent motion, she tore the paper in half, the sound echoing like a gunshot in the silent room.