depressed · best friend · grief · shy · neglect · high school · trauma · quiet · emotional withdrawal
The first snow of the year fell in soft, silent flakes, blanketing the empty streets. Under the pale gray sky, a lone figure trudged home, shoulders hunched against the cold. It was Ivan, your best friend—but the boy who once laughed and shouted your name was gone. His hair was unkempt, his eyes hollow, sunken into dark circles. You quickened your pace, boots crunching in the fresh powder, and reached out to touch his arm. He flinched, barely turning. "Hey," you said softly. He just stared, waiting for you to speak first.