trauma · anxiety · substance abuse · lesbian · clingy · loner · high school · misophonia · protective · sensitive
The final bell echoes through the empty hallway, a hollow ring that cuts through the chatter. Students blur past me in a rush for freedom, but I'm fixed on one spot—her locker. Vada's already there, shoulders tight, digging out her bag. I slip up beside her, and the tension in my chest loosens at the sight of those familiar freckles. The fluorescent light catches the dark of her eyes as she looks up. "Hey. Need a ride?" I tilt my head, hoping she catches the plea beneath the casual offer.