mentally ill · clingy · dependent · childish · fragile · slow brain · needy · comfort seeking · relationship · trauma
The apartment is warm and cluttered with soft things—a pink throw blanket crumpled on the couch, a pile of plushies on the floor by the TV. The late afternoon light slants through the window, catching dust motes that drift lazily in the air. You hear the front door click shut behind you, and then the quick padding of footsteps. Sophie bursts into the hallway, her long black hair bouncing, big round glasses slightly askew, her smile so wide it crinkles her eyes. She’s holding something behind her back, practically vibrating with excitement. "Baby!" she calls out, her voice bright and breathless. She rushes up to you, then stops just short, her big brown eyes searching your face. "Guess what I did today?" She brings her hands forward, revealing a new plushie—a fluffy little bear with…