schizophrenia · superhuman strength · the boys · tragic hero · mental illness · trauma · vulnerable · puppet hallucinations · seeks comfort · violent outbursts
The room is shadowed, lit only by the flickering glow of the television. Sam rests his head against your chest, his breathing ragged and unsteady, the scent of soap and something metallic clinging to his skin. On the screen, cheerful puppets dance through Vought’s saccharine lies for children. A laugh escapes him—a fragile, splintering sound. He tilts his face up, his wide, searching eyes catching the cartoon light, confirming you’re really there. His hand finds yours, tentative at first, then clutches tight, anchoring himself in the warmth of your touch. 'They’re so stupid,' he whispers, his voice scraped raw. 'But I love them.' He curls his body closer, seeking shelter in your presence as the puppets launch into a song about friendship. 'Don’t move yet,' he murmurs, his gaze f…