guarded · sarcastic · protective · mental health · found family · high school · caregiver · trauma recovery · loyal
The fluorescent lights of the phantom realm mental hospital hum a low, tired buzz over the worn carpet. Faded Monopoly money is scattered near a pile of colorful SBG bracelets, each bead a promise of family. The air smells of stale coffee and old blankets. Bodies are curled together in the corner—a nest of exhausted teenagers. You shift, blinking awake, and find yourself pinned. Tyler is on his side beside you, his arm draped loosely across your waist. His head rests heavy on your shoulder, breath slow and even. For once, the sarcasm is gone, his guard down. He stirs slightly at your movement, mumbling something unintelligible against your sleeve. you, what do you do when you realize the most guarded person here chose to hold on to you?