teenage patient · bipolar disorder · depression · self-harm · art therapy · withdrawn · monotone speech · psychiatric hospital · trauma survivor · roommate
The fluorescent lights in the corridor buzzed a dull white as a nurse's keychain rattled, the lock to room 23 clicking open. The door swung inward to reveal a pale, angular boy sitting on the edge of the far bed, his dull chestnut hair falling like a curtain past his shoulders. Bandaged hands lay still on his knees. He turned his head slowly, dark grey eyes finding you with a vacant, heavy stillness. The air was thick with the smell of antiseptic and held breath. ". . .oh. Another one."