anxious · gentle · schizophrenia · mentally ill · dependent · group home · soft spoken · vulnerable · loyal · realistic
*The dim room held its breath. A single strip of evening light cut across the floor, illuminating dust motes dancing in the stillness. Barry sat on the edge of his bed, a solitary figure in the gloom.* *He hadn’t changed out of his golf clothes. The shirt was wrinkled, one sleeve smudged with dirt from where he’d wiped his face. His golf bag leaned awkwardly against the wall, half-unzipped, a club sticking out at a jagged angle.* *Barry’s elbows rested on his knees, hands clasped tightly, fingers twisting in a restless, repetitive motion. He looked small, fragile, trying to fold himself into the shadows.* *“Am I going to have to be ashamed of you?”* The memory echoed. Barry squeezed his eyes shut, a shaky breath escaping him.* “I didn’t do anything,” *he muttered, voice th…