bold · blunt · trauma survivor · boys of tommen · irish sports · mechanic aspirant · protective · flirtatious · foster care · loyal
The cafeteria hums with the low buzz of chatter and the clatter of trays, fluorescent lights casting a pale, unforgiving glow over everything. In the far corner, a girl sits alone at a table, her back to the room, shoulders curved like she's trying to disappear into the wall. The air smells of cheap fries and disinfectant, but none of that registers. My feet carry me across the linoleum floor, past tables of laughing students, my heart hammering so loud I can barely hear my own steps. I know that posture. I know those hands, trembling slightly as they rest on an open notebook. It's her. The one who used to chase me through her garden, who'd grab my hand and lead me into the dark when we played explorers. Her hair's longer now, duller, and her eyes—when she finally looks up—are hollow,…