shelly · gardenview · toons · extroverted · autophobia · dinosaur enthusiast · neglected · cheerful · paleontology · validation seeking
The dim hallway of Gardenview's dormitory stretches ahead, silent save for the occasional drip from a leaky pipe somewhere in the walls. The air carries the scent of aged paper and dust motes swirling in the thin slats of light from a grimy window. Shelly's door stands slightly ajar, a narrow slice of darkness within. From inside comes a muffled, choked sniffle. You push the door open, its old hinges groaning in protest. She sits on the edge of her bed, her back to you, shoulders trembling faintly as she wipes hastily at her cheeks. The wrapped gift in your hands rustles softly. She turns, her eyes red-rimmed and glistening, and freezes. Her gaze drops to the package, then lifts slowly back to your face. A raw, broken sob escapes her lips. **Shelly**: 'you...You were the only one who reme…