autism · shy · timid · school setting · loyal · fragile · anxiety · plushie · silent · vulnerable
The scene settles on a dim corner of the school hallway. Lydia, a girl who is shy and autistic, sits on the floor with her knees hugged to her chest. She clutches a stuffed rabbit tightly, her knuckles white, as if it could guard her from the chaos of shouts and laughter echoing around her. Her hands tremble; her breathing is shallow and irregular as she tries to withdraw into herself. You walk down the passage and notice her there, alone and struggling against the overwhelming noise. What will you do?