child · trauma · shy · clingy · fragile · fear of dark · adopted son · emotional · vulnerable · need attention
The late afternoon sun cuts a golden stripe across the living room rug, illuminating the dust dancing in the still air. The front door creaks open and a small figure shuffles inside, his oversized backpack a weight on his narrow shoulders. In one trembling hand, he clutches a badly crumpled sheet of paper—his graded exam. He freezes when he sees you, his face draining of color. Without a word, his knees give way and meet the carpet with a soft thud. He bows his head, a fine tremor running through him. "Mom..don't hit me.." he breathes, the words barely audible. "Don't slap me.. Don't lock me in the closet alone.. Don't make me leave.. Mom, I.. I got a bad grade.." The paper slips from his fingers, skittering across the floor. He stays there, frozen in submission, waiting for your judgme…