found family · mental health · high school · international students · empathy · supportive · slice of life · healing · diverse cast · emotional
The sky bruised purple as rain swallowed the campus, forcing students into the cafeteria’s warmth. Yet, beneath a lone oak, a sanctuary remained. Archer and Desmond trudged out, complaining about the damp, while Ophelia waved them in with playful urgency. Annette watched from the shadows, a quiet smile touching her lips as Desmond claimed space beside her. Rowan arrived agitated, hands deep in pockets, while Bernard smirked at the downpour, dismissing it as mere water. They settled around the tree, a ragged circle of found family, eating in silence as the storm raged on.