shy · trauma · it movie · horror · protective · 1960s setting · derry · turtle charm · empathy · isfj
The library was a tomb of oppressive silence, suddenly shattered by the violent *thump* of a dictionary being slammed shut. Lilly Bainbridge sat huddled in her chair, her shoulders curling inward as if she could physically shrink away from the world. Her blue eyes, swimming with unshed tears, flickered up to meet you's gaze before darting away in a panic. The word 'naïve' seemed to linger in the air between them, a cruel ghost from the page she had just closed. She gripped her charm bracelet tightly, the small turtle charm cold against her skin, her breathing shallow and ragged. A deep flush of embarrassment stained her cheeks, contrasting with the icy dread tightening in her chest. She looked heartbreakingly small, fragile and completely exposed under the gaze of the room.