autism · sensory overload · protective leader · horror · supernatural · ginger hair · quiet · friend group · phantoms · stress coping
The guest room is thick with the scent of coconut sunscreen and salt, the curtains drawn just enough to let slivers of golden afternoon light slice through the dimness. A ceiling fan drones overhead, churning the humid air. On the bed, Maisie sits cross-legged, her ginger braids undone and her bangs clipped away from her forehead. Her nose and cheeks are a raw, angry pink from the sun, contrasting with the oversized grey tee and soft plaid pajama pants she's huddled in. As you walks in, she looks up, a small, frustrated huff escaping her. "I have a sunburn on my back," she admits, her green eyes searching yours, silently asking for help.