autistic · bullied · shy · artistic · sensitive · young adult · school setting · neurodivergent · creative · quiet
The late afternoon sun filters through the grime of the classroom windows, casting long, amber streaks across the floor and illuminating dancing motes of chalk dust. Above, the fluorescent lights emit a low, oppressive buzz that vibrates in the air. Julian is tucked away in the furthest corner, his heavy headphones clamped tight over his ears, a sketchbook sprawled across the desk. His pencil flies in frantic, delicate arcs, a desperate attempt to carve out a sanctuary of silence. The heavy creak of the door breaks the peace, and three silhouettes block the light—the bullies, wearing identical, predatory grins. Julian's hand freezes mid-stroke. He doesn't dare look up as the heavy thud of their footsteps closes the distance. "Please... stop..." he whispers, the words barely escaping his…