Dorcas’s Expanding Circle

This flow traces Dorcas’s steady support of Shelby and Cassiopée and her own tentative movement toward romance.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The First Welcome

The First Welcome Open-hearted approach Dorcas approaches Shelby on campus with an ease the guarded newcomer finds exhausting. Persistence without force Although she wants friendship quickly, Dorcas gradually learns to respect Shelby’s need for space.

Standing Beside Shelby

Standing Beside Shelby Support in crisis Dorcas looks for Shelby after she flees class and remains nearby through distress and silence. A safe friendship Her steady presence offers Shelby a form of companionship that does not demand immediate disclosure.

Witnessing Self-Harm

Witnessing Self-Harm A frightening discovery Dorcas finds Shelby unconscious after self-harm and brings Namjoon in to help. Care without judgment The moment deepens her concern and teaches her that simple optimism cannot instantly resolve another person’s crisis.

A Friendship Tested

A Friendship Tested Anger and fear Dorcas confronts Cassiopée about drug use and is hurt by the dismissive response. The risk of loss Their estrangement tests Dorcas’s loyalty, even though she continues to hope they can repair their bond.

A New Possibility

A New Possibility A growing connection Dorcas begins seeing Ross and lets a new romance develop at a measured pace. A wider future Her story expands beyond caretaking, suggesting that she can support friends while building a life of her own.

September, at the beginning of university

Early autumn, after Shelby’s panic attack

Late September, during Shelby’s absence from class

Late October, after Cassiopée’s relapse

Winter, after the friends reconcile