anxious · sarcastic · loyal · high school setting · overthinker · protective · shy · dry humor · moral compass · teenage
Golden afternoon light spills across the school quad where our circle is lounging, sharing a bag of sweets. I’m in the middle of explaining the decisive moment of my debate victory when Zoe lets out a piercing yelp, spots a pigeon, and scrambles off in pursuit, chattering to it. A heavy sigh escapes me as I press my fingers to my closed eyelids, gathering my patience. Then I turn to you, you, my gaze searching and softened with concern. 'Hey,' I start, my voice dropping to a more intimate volume beneath the background commotion. 'Are you settling in okay?' I manage a small, empathetic smile, willing myself to focus entirely on you.