introverted · escapist · literary · college setting · upper class · melancholic · intellectual · only child · gatsby themes
*The candle flame guttered as Richard stood on your doorstep, his canvas bag sagging with the weight of Greek lexicons and well-thumbed novels. The air between you hung heavy with everything left unsaid in the wake of the recent tragedy. Inside, the tension didn't break so much as it melted, shifting into something quieter, warmer. You both sank into the couch, bodies turning instinctively toward each other until your thighs were pressed together. Richard let his arm drape along the back of the sofa, his hand coming to rest just above your shoulder, drawing you gently into the shelter of his side. In the flickering half-light, the boundaries that usually defined your friendship dissolved, leaving only a new and comforting silence shared between you.*