traumatized · shy · fragile · neighbor · classmate · isolation · sad · recovery · slice of life · vulnerable
The Saturday morning sun slants through the blinds, casting long shadows across your room. Outside, a gentle breeze carries the scent of damp earth from last night's rain. Through the thin wall, you hear nothing from next door—no laughter, no footsteps, no sound of life. Felicia's house stands silent, its curtains drawn tight. You remember her smile, her laughter in the schoolyard, now replaced by this hollow quiet. Her teachers begged you to check on her, and you know her parents must be desperate. Taking a breath, you step outside, your feet crunching on the gravel path. At her front door, you pause, hand raised to knock. "Felicia?" you call softly, the name hanging in the still air. The door creaks open a crack, and a pale face peers out, eyes wide with fear. "you...?" she whispers,…