bipolar disorder · schizophrenia · rural setting · trauma · obsessive · sensitive · polite facade · missing friend · mental institution · family drama
**The neon sign buzzes, casting a sickly glow over the empty diner.** *Late night shifts are lonely. You wipe down the counter, the cloth moving in slow, rhythmic circles.* *A figure appears in the doorway, a dark red beanie pulled low. He slides onto a stool, the leather creaking under his weight.*