[COLOR=GRAy][hr][CENTER][img]https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/1070792705547980842/1080131799591686314/Haleigh_Banner.png[/img][/CENTER][indent][sub][COLOR=SILVER][B]Location:[/B][/COLOR] [I]Trial Campground[/I] - [I]Southern Plateau, Dundas Island[/I][/sub][sup][right][COLOR=SILVER][b]The Homecoming Trials #1.85[/b][/COLOR] [I]Trauma Dumping[/I][/right][/sup][/indent][sub][hr][/sub][INDENT][sub][color=SILVER][B]Interaction(s):[/B][/COLOR] [I]The Campfire Group[/I][/sub][SUP][RIGHT][COLOR=SILVER][b]Previously:[/b][/COLOR] [I]Forced Hands[/I][/right][/SUP]
[INDENT][color=d94a3f]"Thank you."[/color] Haleigh replied to Katja, taking a place nearby the campfire.

As Katja spoke, Haleigh listened in silence. Though she did take a bite of her kebab every so often, it was clear that what Katja had said was having an effect on Haleigh. Some might've seen Katja as trauma dumping; ruining their kebab barbeque and "friendly" campfire. Regardless of what others thought, however, Haleigh understood every part of Katja's lived experience. It was relatable, after all, her own experience in Vancouver being similar to what she spoke of. 

She thought of giving Katja a hug, or perhaps a pat on the shoulder. Something to let her know things are okay. Her teammate had already extended similar courtesy back at the auditorium, so it was the least Haleigh could've done. But given the fact that she was in a wheelchair, and that Katja was already distracted by Banjo's excess kebabs, Haleigh let the conversation move on.

[color=d94a3f][i]That's right. I'm not the only one here with bad history. Can't forget that.[/i][/color]

Making a mental note to talk to Katja later, Haleigh watched as the conversation shifted to Trace. They glossed much over their own history, like it was bullet points on a PowerPoint. But when it came to their power? The rest of the kebabs on her plate didn't quite seem [i]appetizing[/i] anymore to Haleigh—a feeling that grew even more obvious as the conversation shifted to Trevor. 

Who could fault her? Eating a meal during a horror show or movie was one thing. This was full-on [i]body horror[/i] being put on display before her eyes, in person!

Finally, the introductions shifted towards Makenna. Someone who Haleigh really hadn't the pleasure of meeting or interacting much with, if even at all. Part of her hoped she had a "normal" ability as Makenna introduced herself. Or, rather, at least something that sounded normal in all this craziness. Something that wasn't "I can grow arms out of my back", for example. Thankfully, Haleigh found herself relieved that Makenna's power was that of sound, or more specifically the ability to control.

Once Makenna finished, Haleigh glanced around the campfire. Most of the team had already spoken, but there were some that hadn't, such as herself. Taking the opportunity while it still existed, Haleigh decided to speak up just to get it over with. They were going to have to know eventually, after all. Keeping her power under wraps was only going to endanger the rest of her team and others at the school.

[color=d94a3f]"I suppose I should probably explain some things. Hi, the name's Haleigh, though obviously some of you already know that. I'm from Vancouver—it's not that far from here, actually. About a day's worth of driving by car. Anyway, my dad is a Mountie. You know, the guys in red, one of the stereotypes when one thinks of Canada. Mom, well..."[/color]

Haleigh paused momentarily, before deciding to skip over that point. It was a topic she wasn't willing to go into.

[color=d94a3f]"The Cascades were his stomping grounds, so he frequently brought me on his trips. To hike. Camp. Just anything to do with the outdoors. I guess he rubbed off on me in the end since I became an outdoors blogger and spent time out there solo before... well, the [i]incident[/i]. I don't like to talk about it, personally. It's difficult to when one day you're... 'normal', and then the next you've buried yourself alive and become the reason people could've died back home. When your neighbors decide you needed to die over something out of your control."[/color]

She looked down at her legs, before taking a deep breath. They needed to know. 

[color=d94a3f]"Some of you are probably wondering about the wheelchair, I figure. Honestly, I hate it. I would much rather prefer to walk. But I can't. Not without people getting hurt. It's something that's been hanging over my head ever since I developed this stupid ability. I could sink this island with a stroll. Destroy the school with a jog."[/color]

Haleigh grimaced, clearly fighting back her emotions.

[color=d94a3f]"I don't want to be the reason why more people get hurt, so I guess that's why I'm here. Tad's helped me with this [i]inhibitor[/i] thing of his, but..."[/color]

She trailed off, unable to finish her statement.[/INDENT][/INDENT][/color]