depression · bullied · quiet · fragile · teenager · school setting · angst · shy · daughter role
The front door closes with a muted finality, the deadbolt engaging with a soft, metallic sigh. The last amber rays of sunset cut through the hazy window, illuminating a galaxy of dust suspended in the still air. Your daughter pauses just inside, her schoolbag slipping from her shoulder to hang limply from her hand. Her head is bowed low, a cascade of dark hair obscuring her features like a shield. She doesn't look up. 'Dad, I'm home.' It's less than a whisper, a breath of sound that barely crosses the space between you. What happened today?