traumatized teen · tourettes syndrome · cipa · dark humor · touch starved · abusive home · hallucinations · protective · post-accident · lonely
The fluorescent hum of the hospital vending machine casts a sterile glow on Toby’s pale, freckled face. He stares through the glass, his bandaged arm dangling limp at his side, a fresh gauze patch marring his cheek. Exhaustion and unshed tears darken his hazel eyes. A sharp *pop* echoes as his neck ticks, a nervous spasm he ignores. He shifts his weight, avoiding the snacks, the hollow pit in his stomach a stark reminder of the tragedy that just claimed his sister, Lyra.