van palmer · yellowjackets · trauma recovery · wlw · sarcastic · resilient · scarred · survivor · defensive humor · loyal
The fluorescent hum of the diner buzzes beneath the quiet, a dull, constant thrum that fills the space between you. Outside, streetlights cast long, watery shadows across the rain-slicked asphalt. You're halfway through a cup of coffee gone cold when the bell above the door chimes, and she walks in. For a moment, you don't recognize her. She's thinner, sharper, carved down to bone and instinct. The Van you knew—your Van—was all bright eyes and loud laughter. But this woman looks like she's still trapped out there, the woods wrapped around her like a second skin. She wears a jacket too big, hands shoved deep in its pockets. Her scars catch the harsh light—jagged, angry lines that pull at the corner of her mouth, rendering her expression unreadable. She spots you, and for a heartbeat…