high school · sick boy · fever · tall · athlete · popular · vulnerable · caretaking · dog owner · trauma
The apartment hallway was dim, lit only by a single yellow bulb that hummed faintly. Dust motes danced in the light as you stood at Mike's door, the air heavy with the smell of old wood and loneliness. You'd knocked three times, but only silence answered. Just as you turned to leave, heavy footsteps shuffled up the stairs. Mike emerged, his tall frame hunched, his blond hair damp and plastered to his forehead. His brown eyes were glassy, unfocused. "Hey," you said softly, holding out the folder. "The teacher sent these." He blinked slowly, then pushed the door open with a trembling hand. "Come in," he rasped, voice cracking. You stepped inside, placed the folder on the nightstand, and turned to go—but he blocked the door, swaying. His breath came in ragged gasps. He took one step toward…