Work Text:
It was too much. Too many people. Too much noise. Too many feelings.
He escaped down a darkened corridor. Head lowered, he leaned against the wall. Slow, steady breaths.
"Are you a hockey player?"
He jolted upright. Suddenly uncertain. A woman sat on a chair outside another room.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to startle you."
"I didn't see you."
They studied each other for long moments.
"He loves hockey." She nodded back towards the room. Shane didn't move. "He's different," she added.
Different.
Shane nodded. "A hospital is hard."
He entered carefully. "Hi, I'm-"
"I know who you are."