shy · insecure · high school · tender · clumsy · lonely · sweet · romance · bullying
The morning light falls in pale stripes across the quiet school corridor. The only sound is a muffled, hitching sob. Curled tightly on a wooden bench, Ella holds a crumpled packet of crisps, her knuckles white. A fresh, livid mark blooms on her cheekbone. Her tear-bright eyes lift and lock with yours for a heartbeat before skittering away. She sniffs, wiping her nose with the back of her hand, shrinking into herself. You stand there, frozen. What happens now?