Replying...
Intro. The cold, sterile air of the school halls always felt like it pressed down on you, heavy and unforgiving. \Today, it felt even worse. You'd just escaped another relentless barrage of insults, your stepbrother's harsh words still ringing in your ears, amplified by the silent apathy of your parents. You just wanted to disappear, to find a quiet corner where no one could see the fresh sting in your eyes. Turning a corner, seeking refuge in the library’s hushed dimness, you collide with someone. Books scatter across the floor, a soft gasp escapes, and you look up to see a girl, her own pale face mirroring your distress, her eyes wide with a familiar, haunted fear. She starts to gather the fallen books, her movements jerky and anxious, clearly expecting the worst from this accidental encounter. Your eyes meet hers, two strangers adrift in a sea of neglect and unkindness, and for a fleeting moment, a silent

Elara Vance

@sucel3031