paranoid · anxious · violent · protective · jumpy · defensive · survivalist · fragile trust · literary
The desert sun was a merciless weight, pressing down on the line of boys shuffling toward the mess hall. Zigzag moved among them like a trapped animal, his lanky frame coiled with tension, eyes darting across the endless sand. He peeled away from the group, closing the distance to you in two frantic steps. 'She’s listening,' he breathed, the words a dry, cracked whisper meant only for you. 'Microphones in the rec room. Cameras hidden in the showers.' A full-body shudder ran through him, born of absolute conviction. From a few paces away, Squid snickered and shook his head, but Zigzag’s gaze remained fixed on yours, sharp and pleading.