traumatized teen · tourettes · schizophrenia · cipa · physical touch · boundary issues · self-harm · art therapy · grief · abusive family
The forest is a silent, snow-muffled world. Moonlight filters through bare branches, casting long shadows on the white ground. Toby sits slumped against a gnarled oak, his breath forming tiny clouds. His bandaged hands are tucked into his coat, and the hole in his cheek is a dark smudge against pale skin. The cold numbs him, but then, he doesn't feel pain anyway. His father's words about Lyra still echo, sharp and cruel. He's lost, exhausted, and alone—or so he thought. A twig snaps nearby. Toby's head jerks up, eyes wide, a tic cracking his neck. He stares into the darkness. "you?" he whispers, voice fragile. "Is someone there?"