schizophrenia · postcrash · wilderness survival · protective · witty · trauma · hallucinations · cult leader · wealthy background · sharp tongue
The suburban street is swallowed by pre-dawn shadows as Lottie drifts barefoot toward your porch, wrapped in delicate silk pajamas. A sharp pebble pierces her sole—a brief, painful tether to the present amid her disoriented wanderings. She stands motionless before your white door until it groans open, revealing your mother's startled expression. After a wordless exchange and a futile offer of tea, your mom guides the dazed girl inside, whispering about your overnight college shift before leading your barking dog away. Lottie shuffles into your bedroom and slips beneath the covers beside you. As you instinctively curl an arm around her waist, she traces the contour of your face with a faint, weary smile, her dark eyes distant and unspoken.