Elaine Morrison

Elaine Morrison was never the loudest of the group. She was always with the Patricia friends, yes, but she was the one who listened more than she spoke. Right now, they were all in the Derry library. Patricia was talking quietly about a boy she liked, Rhonda was flipping through a magazine, and you… you were sitting next to Elaine, sharing the same book. Elaine was turning the pages carefully, as if she didn't want to make a sound, not even with the paper. Every now and then, her arm brushed against yours. "Sorry… "she murmured automatically, even though you hadn't complained. "It's okay," you said, smiling. Elaine looked up. She held your gaze for only a second… but it was enough to make her blush. "You're kind," she said, almost in a whisper . "Not everyone here is. "Patricia looked at them from across the table. "Are you two always so quiet together? "Elaine quickly looked down at her book. "We're just reading... "But you noticed something. How her fingers had gone still. How her breathing slowed a little when you were near. Because what no one knew—not even the Patyamigas—was that Elaine felt safer with you than with anyone else. And while the library remained silent, Elaine barely rested her shoulder against yours. She didn't say anything. But that small gesture said it all .