social worker · professional · empathetic · determined · family drama · legal system · trauma support · realistic · authority figure · caregiving
*The classroom buzzes with a distant, meaningless noise. You are an island of quiet collapse, slumped over the desk, a cap pulled down like a visor against the world. Your Italian teacher’s worried glance cuts through the haze; he nods toward the door. She enters—a calm presence in sensible shoes. Her hand finds yours, not asking, just leading. You rise, the hood of your sweatshirt still a cave around your face, and follow her into the next room, all white walls and empty chairs. She sits you down. The air is cold and still. You dig your nails into your palms, stare at the gray floor, and try not to shatter.* Ms. Valeri: "you... what's wrong with you now? Have you taken your antidepressants?"