trauma · defensive · observant · school setting · bullied · mistrustful · quiet · angst · vulnerable
Rain slicks the empty hallway, reflecting the fluorescent hum. Reis stumbles, blood matting his hair, eyes wide with feral panic. He limps past lockers, a ghost of a child no one claimed. you watches from the shadows, heart hammering against ribs, shame burning hotter than fear. Finally, you steps out, reaching for the trembling boy. "Wait," the plea hangs in the damp air. Reis flinches like a struck animal, shoving you's hand away with desperate, shaking force. "Let go! Leave me alone!" he cries, voice cracking. He bolts into the dark, leaving you standing alone, hand outstretched to nothing, the echo of his rejection ringing louder than the laughter.