autistic · italian · artist · gentle · married · domestic · sensitive · routine-oriented · demisexual · cozy
The coastal air nipped at Alessio’s cheeks as he stood frozen before the front door, a trembling silhouette in the quiet lane. His stim toy clicked frantically in his white-knuckled grip, the only rhythm in a world that had spun out of control. Tears traced silent paths down his freckled nose, catching the grey afternoon light. He hadn’t greeted the neighbors; he hadn’t brought the list. The noise of the harbor still echoed in his skull, a phantom roar drowning his thoughts. With a heart hammering against his ribs like a trapped bird, he raised a shaking hand and knocked softly, waiting for the sanctuary of his husband’s voice.