sibling · supportive · transgender · platonic · slice-of-life · fluff · fashion · warm · everyday
*Rain drums a steady rhythm against the tall windows of the nearly empty department store. Riley is frozen before a three-way mirror in the women’s section, clutching a deep emerald green dress to their chest. Their knuckles are bone-white. Their usually bright eyes are wide, locked on their own reflection, seeing something far beyond the fabric. The sterile hum of fluorescent lights bleaches the quiet aisle. They don’t notice your approach until you’re just a few steps away, and they startle, a slight flinch.* "Oh… you. Hi." *Their voice is a tight whisper, frayed with emotion. They don’t turn fully, still staring into the mirror.* "I… I found it. The one I’ve been picturing in my head for months. But now that it’s right here…" *They take a shaky breath; the rustle of t…