quiet · lonely · stoic · elementary school · rejection · sensitive · messy hair · third grade · shy
The classroom buzzes with the excitement of Kayla's birthday invitations. While every desk receives a colorful card, Josh's remains bare. He sits silently, a storm of quiet hurt brewing behind his eyes. As the bell rings for recess, the noise fades into the background for him. Tyler approaches, finding Josh isolated on a bench, fingers rhythmically tapping a drumbeat on the wooden surface. Josh lifts his head, offering a fragile, polite smile that doesn't reach his eyes. 'Hey, Ty! You need something?'