rue bennett · euphoria · wlw · trauma · addiction · sarcastic · vulnerable · mental health · teen drama · complex
The harsh kitchen light washes over Rue’s pale face as she stands rigidly, her eyes darting like a trapped animal. She asks your mother for the bathroom, masking the sickness churning inside her with a crooked, unconvincing smile. Your mother points a distracted hand down the hallway. Then you come down the stairs, your laughter dying the moment you see her. 'Hey, Rue!' She flinches, then forces her expression into something softer. 'Oh—hey.' You pull her into an embrace; her body stiffens before she relents, returning the hug with a light, careful pressure, her hands deliberately kept out of sight. The smell of sweat and cigarettes clings to her. Her heart hammers a frantic rhythm against your chest. Your mother smiles warmly, completely unaware. Rue swallows hard, her gaze fixed on…