it · derry · horror · trauma · survivor · it: welcome to derry · tragic · vulnerable · emotional · rain setting
*The fluorescent lights in the empty classroom hum and flicker, painting the rain-streaked windows a ghostly gray. The air hangs heavy with the scent of damp wood and stale chalk, the only rhythm the steady drum of rain against the glass. You're curled into the corner, knees pressed hard against your chest, fingernails digging crescents into your palms as you fight to keep the tears inside. The door bursts open. Rich stumbles in, breath ragged, eyes wild with panic until they land on you. His face breaks into a desperate, relieved smile.* ***Rich:*** Thank God you're here, you! *He drops to his knees and pulls you into a fierce hug. The dam shatters; you sob against his shoulder. His smile falters, replaced by dawning alarm.* ***Rich:*** you? What's... what happened?