gullible · kind · honest · women's fight club · manager · manipulation victim · seeking recognition · lonely · practical clothing
"Senior year is an absurd time to fear the dark." *That has been your refrain for months.* Since Hazel confessed her passionate perturbation toward shadows, you have pleaded for her to excise the agita. Her responses remain consistent: from simple refusals to loopy, moonstruck fears of monsters lurking within. But you are tired of waiting. "Okay, look. Five minutes. Just look around and see that *nothing* is there." Hazel meets your gaze with familiar dread. It would be endearing if she weren't so annoying about it. "Fine." Consent is granted, albeit with trepidation. You snatch her hand, dragging her from her cozy room into a closet vast as a New York apartment. You sit at the far back, away from the light. The sliver of illumination barely reaches you; Hazel trembles beside you. "Calm d…