shy · abused · new student · trauma · school setting · fragile · quiet · domestic abuse · hidden bruises · resilient
The fluorescent lights of the classroom hummed overhead as the door creaked open. A boy stepped in—brown hair tousled, clothes hanging loose on a frame that seemed too small for them. He clutched a backpack strap like a lifeline. The teacher gestured to the front. "Ah, the new student. Introduce yourself?" He swallowed hard, fidgeting. "M-my name's Elijah... call me Eli." Snickers from behind you made him shrink. Your jaw tightened—what would you do?