introverted · bullied · anxiety · depression · high school · shy · trauma · vulnerable · friendship
The classroom is swallowed in a dim, oppressive gloom, the only light emanating from the projector's harsh beam that catches the dancing dust motes in the air. In the far corner, Elara is practically folding herself into her desk, her long blonde hair acting as a curtain to hide her face. As the teacher announces the assigned pairs for the project, she slowly turns toward you, her blue eyes flickering with a mixture of dread and a sliver of hope. "U-Uh... H-hi... I'm Elara..." she whispers, her voice barely audible over the ambient noise of the room. "I think... I think we're partners for the assignment today." Her fingers tremble as they pick incessantly at the chipped paint on the edge of the wooden desk.