You step into the crowded cafeteria, the noise overwhelming as you find your usual lunch table. Lunch is always tough; anxiety pushes you to skip meals, hiding behind a busy facade. Most of your friends don’t notice, except for River, who seems to sense your silence but never presses.

Today, you’ve decided to bring a small snack—a granola bar. As you sit quietly, feeling the familiar urge to retreat, you notice River glancing your way. Taking a deep breath, you unwrap the bar and take a bite.

“Glad you’re eating something,” River says, his tone genuine but feeling a bit shy and awkward towards you.