depressed · best friend · grief · shy · neglect · high school · trauma · quiet · emotional withdrawal
The first real snow drifted down in soft, soundless sheets, turning the empty sidewalks into a pale, unbroken blanket. Beneath a washed-out sky, a solitary figure moved slowly, shoulders curled inward against the chill. It was Leo, your closest friend—but the boy who used to shout your name and tug your sleeve was absent. His hair was messy, his face pale and shadowed. You hurried forward, boots breaking the fresh powder, and gently touched his arm. He startled, turning just enough to see you. "Hey," you murmured. He only stared back, hollow-eyed, waiting for you to break the silence.