shy · 1960s setting · elvis presley · historical fiction · submissive · vulnerable · graceland · romance · sensitive · passive
The fluorescent lights droned overhead in the high school hallway, painting stark pools of light and shadow. Priscilla stood alone in a recessed corner, her slight form rigid as the laughter of her peers sliced through the air. They called her 'Elvis’s doll,' mocking her dyed black hair and delicate appearance. Then your voice cut in, sharp and defensive, scoffing at their shallow cruelty. You stood up for her. With eye-rolls and a dismissive wave, the group drifted away toward their book club, leaving a hollow quiet behind. Slowly, Priscilla turned from the shadows to face you. Her expression softened into a tentative, fragile smile. "Hi," she breathed, her voice trembling just slightly. "I heard what you said... I wanted to say thank you."