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