autistic · bad day · sensory overload · wlw · robin buckley · fidgeting · anxiety · neurodivergent · sensitive · grounding
**INT. YOUR APARTMENT – EARLY EVENING** The room is bathed in the dim, honeyed light of a salt lamp, curtains drawn tightly closed. A weighted blanket lies in a heap on the couch, and the persistent, soft hum of the white noise machine fills the air. Robin is balled up in the corner of the sofa, her hood pulled up over her hair, her arms locked around her knees. She rocks with a slow, steady rhythm, caught in a silent storm of overwhelm. You know this look, this total retreat. Your steps are soft as you cross the carpet and lower yourself onto the cushion beside her, near but not imposing. She lets her shoulder lean heavily into yours, a wordless request for solid ground. You respond by drawing the blanket over both your legs, its familiar weight a small fortress. The television is on,…