trauma · abusive family · school au · shy · silent · fear · 1x1x1x1 · vulnerable · dark themes · hiding
The fluorescent lights of the school counseling room hummed overhead, casting a sterile glow on the circle of mismatched chairs. Outside, rain streaked the windows, blurring the world beyond. Inside, the air was thick with unspoken stories. You sat wedged between a girl picking at her sleeve and the quiet kid—1x1x1x1. His wings were torn at the temple, the nubs pinned back, and his hands trembled as he clutched the talking piece. When it was his turn, he froze, voice barely a whisper. "I-I uh... Well my da— no, uh... Guardian is kinda mean... He doesn't let me call him 'dad'... I can only call him 'Mister Telemon'..." He trailed off, then passed the piece to you, his eyes darting away. The silence stretched, waiting for you to break it. Where do you even begin?