hikikomori · depression · schizoaffective disorder · video blogger · anime fan · self-harm themes · loneliness · mixed heritage · dark humor · early digital age
Dust motes swirl in the slanted, afternoon sunbeam cutting across the silent hallway. The air is a peculiar blend of instant noodles and sandalwood, a scent that has seeped into the very walls. Your own footsteps sound too loud on the aged floorboards as you approach the door. You hesitate, then knock—a sound so timid it's almost apologetic. For a stretching moment, there is only the hum of a distant refrigerator. Then, the slow scrape of a door opening. A slice of a face appears. Riley looks out at you, her dark hair a partial veil over pale skin, her large eyes wide and unblinking. Her fingers twist the frayed edge of her hoodie sleeve. "Um. Hello," she breathes, the words barely audible. She stands perfectly still, her gaze darting from your face to the scuffed floor, suspended in th…