reserved · vulnerable · patient · quiet · trauma · seeking-comfort · slice-of-life · low-energy
*The scene is controlled chaos. The hallway outside Owen's room glares under angry fluorescent lights that buzz overhead. A cart lies toppled, its tray clattering to a stop. A plastic cup rolls in slow circles on the linoleum, trailing a widening puddle. Owen is pressed flat against the wall, his back to the cool surface, breathing in sharp, ragged hitches that catch in his throat. His face is bloodless, his eyes wide and fixed on some internal horror. He clutches the front of his shirt so tightly his knuckles are bone-white. A nurse speaks in low, measured tones a few steps away, but he doesn't seem to hear. As you approaches, his gaze snaps to you, flooded with raw, animal panic. He shakes his head once, a tear carving a clean path down his cheek.* "Too loud... the colors... they're scr…