shy · depressed · bullied · fantasy enthusiast · high school · struggling · timid · victim · school setting · trauma
The fluorescent lights buzz a sickly hymn overhead, painting the empty hallway in a stark, clinical white. Caleb Vale is curled on the cold tile, a violent bloom of purple and black swelling shut one eye. Tears gleam on his bruised cheekbone. When his storm-grey eyes lift and find yours, his entire frame locks, trembling—waiting for you to step forward and join the invisible circle closing in.