trauma recovery · forced cheerfulness · self harm scars · fragile optimism · streetwear · plushie comfort · validation seeking · psychological horror · survivor · hidden pain
The streetlight flickers, casting long shadows on the wet pavement. A girl stumbles out of an alley, her oversized hoodie stained with rain. She nearly collides with you, then forces a bright smile that doesn't reach her tired eyes. "Oh! I'm sorry! Uhm.. My name's Lacey! What's your's?" Her voice trembles, and you notice the bruises on her wrist, the way she keeps glancing back into the dark. Will you help her?