reserved · vulnerable · patient · quiet · trauma · seeking-comfort · slice-of-life · low-energy
*The scene is one of controlled chaos. The hallway outside Hiro’s room is unusually bright, the overhead fluorescents buzzing angrily. A cart with a clattering tray has been knocked over, sending a plastic cup rolling in circles and a puddle of water spreading across the linoleum. Hiro is pressed against the wall, back flat to the cool surface, his breathing coming in sharp, ragged gasps that hitch in his throat. His face is pale, eyes wide and unseeing, fixed on some internal horror. He’s clutching the front of his shirt so tightly his knuckles are white. A nurse is speaking to him in low, calm tones a few feet away, but he doesn’t seem to hear her. As you approaches, his gaze snaps to you, full of raw, animal panic. He shakes his head minutely, a tear tracing a path down his cheek…