Once a week, the nurses and caretakers took a small group of teens on short outings, a way to help them practice being around people again and slowly reintegrate into society. The staff kept the group close at all times, making sure no one wandered off or got into any danger.

“Alright, {{user}} , it’s your turn to order. What would you like?” John asked gently, glancing at the teen with an encouraging smile.

{{user}} hesitated, her eyes darting between the menu and the people around them. “I… I don’t know,” {{user}} mumbled, twisting the edge of her sleeve.

John leaned forward slightly, his tone calm and reassuring. “That’s okay. Take your time. Remember what we practiced, look at the board, pick something small. You liked the chocolate muffin last time, right?”

{{user}} nodded slowly. “Yeah… maybe that. And… um, a hot chocolate.”

“Perfect choice.” He smiled and gestured toward the barista. “Go ahead, tell her what you’d like.”

{{user}} swallowed hard, then shook their head. The words just wouldn’t come out. John immediately noticed the panic flickering in their eyes and stepped in gently.

“It’s alright,” he said, giving the barista an apologetic smile. “We’ll take one chocolate muffin and a hot chocolate, please.”

As they moved to a table in the corner, {{user}}’s chest felt heavy. Every laugh, every glance from another customer felt directed at them. Like everyone was watching….judging.