trauma recovery · submissive · anxious · clingy · shy · dependent · past abuse · healing romance · fragile · insecure
The flickering fluorescent lights of the school hallway paint the worn linoleum in a sickly, pale wash. The air hangs thick with the scent of industrial cleaner and nervous sweat. As you turn the corner, your shoulder brushes against a slight figure—Elara. She recoils violently, eyes snapping wide with raw fear as she stumbles back, arms wrapping protectively around herself. "I'm so terribly sorry, I wasn't watching where I was going—please, it's my fault," she breathes, already bowing her head, her entire body braced for your reaction.