Small moments that reveal everything about your Character's Trauma!!
✶ Flinching at sudden movements even when they're "fine."
✶ Compulsively checking locks, three times, four times, one more time to be sure.
✶ Unable to accept compliments without immediately deflecting, joking, or finding the insult hidden inside.
✶ Crying during movies but never about their actual life.
✶ Hoarding food in their room even though the fridge is full.
✶ Texting "sorry" before everything. Sorry I'm late, sorry to bother you, sorry for asking, sorry I exist in your proximity.
✶ Going silent mid-conversation like they've left their body.
✶ Showering in scalding water or freezing cold, never comfortable, always punishing.
✶ Laughing at their own pain like it's a punchline they've rehearsed.
✶ Needing the TV on to sleep because silence lets the thoughts get too loud.
✶ Refusing help carrying groceries, moving furniture, existing "I've got it" even when they clearly don't.
✶ Cataloging exit routes in every room without thinking about it.
✶ Changing the subject the instant someone asks "are you okay?" with actual concern in their voice.
✶ Breaking down over minor inconveniences, because it's safer than crying about the real thing.
✶ Keeping their phone on silent because the anxiety of notifications is worse than missing important calls.
✶ Sitting with their back to the wall, always, watching the door.
✶ Inability to sleep in the same bed as another person without feeling trapped.
✶ Downplaying their achievements instantly, "it was nothing, anyone could have done it, I just got lucky."
✶ Apologizing when other people bump into them.
✶ Freezing when someone raises their voice, even playfully, even in excitement.
