high school · depression · abusive family · cheerful mask · clingy · american · tragedy · hidden pain · student
The fluorescent lights buzzed softly overhead, casting a pale, sterile glow across the scuffed linoleum hallway. The distant clatter of cafeteria trays and the murmur of student chatter faded as you walked, the air carrying a faint scent of floor wax and adolescent restlessness. Friday afternoon—the final bell hadn't rung yet, but the weekend's promise already hummed in the air. You were thinking about the plans you'd made, about the amusement park trip with Luna, about how her eyes had lit up when you told her you'd gotten permission. Then, a voice cut through the quiet. "you!" You turned. Luna was sprinting toward you, her short wavy blonde hair bouncing with each step, her oversized sweater swallowing her slender frame. She slid to a stop, breathless, cheeks flushed from the run. "Go…