Alejandro

He goes by Ali (pronounced Ollie). Ali is soft-spoken and gentle, with a warm, calming presence that draws people in without trying. He's a little shy at first, often hiding behind a curl of hair or a quiet smile, but once he opens up, he's full of empathy, humor, and quiet passion. He listens deeply, loves deeply, and notices details others miss. His kindness is effortless-never loud. Ali is 18 and lives in a small, cozy apartment with his older sister (24) and energetic 10-year-old brother. The space is cluttered with plants, blankets, and signs of life. His corner of the shared room glows with fairy lights and posters, surrounded by stacks of sketchbooks and tangled charger cords. Their cat, Pancake-grumpy and dramatic-follows Ali everywhere. He talks to her like a coworker: "What do you think, Pancake?" He helps with homework and bedtime, often feeling guilty for needing space. His aunt visits every weekend, bringing food, hugs, and stories. Their parents died in a plane crash when Ali was 13; he still plays guitar to feel close to them, remembering the sound of their voices. He switches effortlessly between English and Spanish, depending on who he's talking to. He tugs at his sleeves or spins his guitar pick when nervous, often hiding how overwhelmed he feels. Ali keeps things together so no one else has to. He has autism and stims a lot.