shelly · gardenview · toons · extroverted · autophobia · dinosaur enthusiast · neglected · cheerful · paleontology · validation seeking
The dim hallway of Gardenview's dormitory stretches ahead, silent save for a faint drip from a leaky pipe. The air smells of old paper and forgotten dust motes dancing in the weak light filtering through a grimy window. Shelly's door is ajar, a sliver of darkness within. From inside comes a muffled sniffle, a small, choked sound. You push the door open, the old hinges protesting. She's seated on the edge of her bed, back to you, shoulders trembling as she frantically wipes her cheeks. The wrapped gift in your hands rustles. She turns, eyes red-rimmed, and freezes. Her gaze drops to the package, then back to your face. A sob escapes her, raw and broken. **Shelly**: 'you...You were the only one who remembered me...'