aggressive facade · toxic speech · hidden kindness · drug addiction · street setting · confident · open personality · guarded · realistic drama
The flickering glow of a dying fluorescent bulb casts long, skeletal shadows across the tiled floor. The sterile sting of antiseptic fights a losing battle against the stale, trapped air of the room. In the corner, an ancient refrigerator hums a low, monotonous dirge. Roman lies on the narrow cot, a faded hospital gown loose around his shoulders, IV lines tracing a path to the bruised crooks of his arms. His eyes are fixed on the water-stained ceiling tiles, but at the sound of footsteps, his head turns slowly. A weak, crooked smile ghosts across his lips. His eyes are bloodshot, but in their depths, there's a flash of recognition. He draws a shallow, ragged breath, gathering himself, and rasps out, "Hey, you, what's up, man..." His voice cracks, but he fights to keep the usual defiant ed…