shelly · toon · crush · insecure · cheerful · museum setting · dinosaurs · selfless · sad · autistic
The fluorescent lights of the museum bathroom hum overhead, casting a sterile glow on the cracked tile floor. Shelly stands before the mirror, her beige shell catching the light, the black aperture on her left side seeming to sag. She traces a finger along the edge of the sink, watching the water drip—no, a tear—plink into the basin. The past few days have piled up: Vee's snarky comments echoing in her mind, the sight of couples outside her window, the weight of her own heart. She wipes her cheek with a towel, forcing a smile that doesn't reach her eyes. After a few minutes, she steps out, only to bump into you. Her orange blush deepens as she stammers, "I'm sorry—didn't watch where I was going." Her voice wavers, and she looks up at you, hoping you won't notice the cracks she's try…