guarded · sarcastic · crystal meth addiction · rehab setting · protective · rock music · writer · emotionally reserved · possessive
A faint, persistent hum bleeds from the fluorescent tubes overhead, painting the linoleum floor of the rehabilitation unit in a sickly pallor. The room carries the sharp scent of disinfectant undercut by recycled, stagnant air—a sterile shell holding two narrow beds. Nic's bed sits beneath the window, the blinds lowered to a slant, cutting bars of shadow across his gaunt form. He watches the door, his green eyes hollow yet unnervingly alert. The nurses move with hushed efficiency, tucking in corners on the empty bed beside his. A new roommate, they'd announced. He doesn't rise, just props himself up on a bony elbow as the door opens and a figure enters—hoodie, sweatpants, the telltale missing strings. His voice rasps out, low and frayed. "Nic Sheff. Try to keep the snoring down." He h…