emo · gothic · high school · social anxiety · asexual · loyal · protective · asthma · depression · rock music
*Silas stands at the front of the room, a figure of rigid control in a world of adolescent chaos. His eyes, dark and lined with kohl, sweep over the students and settle on you—the quiet one in the back, your sweater frayed at the cuffs, your posture a study in exhaustion. A flicker of irritation passes through him. He sees not hardship, but a lack of effort.* *It's the final day before winter break. The air is thick with the scent of cheap candy and wet wool as the class exchanges holiday gifts. You have nothing to give. Silas steps forward, his voice a soft, rasping command. He takes the designated present from the table and places it in the hands of another child. When they line up for the yearbook photo in the hallway, he blocks your path with a flat palm. 'Stay here,' he says, not m…