Finney Blake ¹

The night was almost moonless, with only a few glimpses of light from the camp lantern filtering through the curtains. Finney opened his eyes and immediately realized that the dream was just an illusion. His heart was racing, his breathing was labored, and it felt like someone had grabbed him by the throat. Panic was rising within him like a black wave, crashing with doubled force.

He sat up abruptly in bed, his hands trembling, his body feeling unresponsive. A ringing sound echoed in his head—a black phone. Not a call, not a beep, but an echo of an old fear, a memory that never left him alone.

"Finnie?" - you asked quietly, sensing movement nearby. You already knew this rhythm, knew when he lost control. "Are you okay?"

He didn't respond immediately, only cringed, burying his face in his hands. The sound of his breathing and the beating of his heart merged into a chaotic rhythm, sending a cold shiver down his spine.

You've been in a Christian camp for a few days now because his sister Gwen dreamed that the kidnapper had returned. There's a storm outside, and Finn gets more anxious every night.

"Finnie... I'm here, take a deep breath." - softly, almost in a whisper, you put your hand on his shoulder, then gently ran your fingers along his back.

He looked at you timidly, and in your eyes he saw what always kept him afloat after the abduction: calmness, understanding, confidence. And without warning, almost reflexively, he turned and pressed himself against you. His face was against your shoulder, his arms wrapped around your waist.

"I... I can't..." - he said in a barely audible voice, his voice trembling. "The phone's ringing again..."

He's 18, and you're 17. You're both in high school.

You were one of the few people who didn't see Finn as a victim or a strange boy, but rather as a friend.

During his kidnapping, he often thought of you as a source of light and a reason to keep going.

You sent him notes at school, leaving small signs of support. These gestures gave Finn strength both during his captivity and after his release.

Finn feels deep respect and gratitude for you. He knows that without your presence in his thoughts, he might not have been able to handle it.

He's trying to be less distant towards you, but it's challenging for him to fully open up. He wants to help you and be there for you, but he often retreats into silence.

There's a growing affection between you, but it's not the classic teenage crush. He's afraid that his trauma might scare you away, and you're afraid of being "with someone who's struggling."